NASA is gearing up for the launch of PACE mission in 2024. The mission's objective is to enhance the understanding of Earth's atmosphere. PACE stands for Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem. Watch this video for all details.

All about NASA's PACE mission to study Earth's clouds & oceans

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<p>The Sun on Thursday (Dec 14) released an X-class solar flare, which is categorised as the most intense flare. According to a statement by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), an image of the event was captured by the space agency's Solar Dynamics Observatory. "This flare is classified as an X2.8 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength," the statement said.</p>

<p>"Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts," it added. X2.8 peaked at 12.02 pm EST on Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Explained | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-what-causes-solar-storms-how-they-affect-earth-and-related-phenomenon-669635">Sun has been raging for weeks and Earth is bearing the brunt. Why is that happening?</a></strong></p>

<p>According to a report by SpaceWeather.com, the X2.8 was the most powerful solar flare since September 2017. Thursday's flare caused a deep shortwave radio blackout over the Americas, the report added.</p>

<h2><strong>What is a solar flare?</strong></h2>

<p>According to NASA, a solar flare is an intense burst of radiation coming from the release of magnetic energy associated with sunspots. Flares are the solar system's largest explosive events.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Sun emitted a strong solar flare on Dec. 14, 2023, peaking at 12:02 ET. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured an image of the event, which was classified as X2.8. <a href="https://t.co/4INrRFqIg7">https://t.co/4INrRFqIg7</a> <a href="https://t.co/2dJ1YMkiXS">pic.twitter.com/2dJ1YMkiXS</a></p>
— NASA Sun &amp; Space (@NASASun) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASASun/status/1735367831993168352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"They are seen as bright areas on the Sun and they can last from minutes to hours. We typically see a solar flare by the photons (or light) it releases, at most every wavelength of the spectrum," NASA said.</p>

<p>Flares are primarily monitored in X-rays and optical light. Flares are also sites where particles (electrons, protons, and heavier particles) are accelerated.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-detect-oldest-black-hole-ever-observed-its-a-million-times-the-mass-of-sun-report-668329">Astronomers detect oldest black hole ever observed. It's a million times the mass of Sun</a></strong></p>

<p>Powerful flares are often accompanied by coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The SpaceWeather report said that a CME was associated with Tuesday's flare likely with an Earth-directed component.</p>

<p>The US Air Force is reporting a Type II solar radio burst, which typically comes from the leading edge of a CME. Based on the drift rate of the radio burst, the emerging CME's velocity could exceed 2,100 km/s, the report added.</p>


The Sun on Thursday (Dec 14) released an X-class solar flare, which is categorised as the most intense flare. According to a statement by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), an image of the event was captured by the space agency's Solar Dynamics Observatory.

The Sun on Thursday (Dec 14) released an X-class solar flare, which is categorised as the most intense flare. According to a statement by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), an image of the event was captured by the space agency's Solar Dynamics Observatory. "This flare is classified as an X2.8 flare. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength," the statement said. "Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts," it added. X2.8 peaked at 12.02 pm EST on Tuesday. Also read: Explained | Sun has been raging for weeks and Earth is bearing the brunt. Why is that happening? According to a report by SpaceWeather.com, the X2.8 was the most powerful solar flare since September 2017. Thursday's flare caused a deep shortwave radio blackout over the Americas, the report added. What is a solar flare? According to NASA, a solar flare is an intense burst of radiation coming from the release of magnetic energy associated with sunspots. Flares are the solar system's largest explosive events. The Sun emitted a strong solar flare on Dec. 14, 2023, peaking at 12:02 ET. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured an image of the event, which was classified as X2.8. https://t.co/4INrRFqIg7 pic.twitter.com/2dJ1YMkiXS — NASA Sun & Space (@NASASun) December 14, 2023 × "They are seen as bright areas on the Sun and they can last from minutes to hours. We typically see a solar flare by the photons (or light) it releases, at most every wavelength of the spectrum," NASA said. Flares are primarily monitored in X-rays and optical light. Flares are also sites where particles (electrons, protons, and heavier particles) are accelerated. Also read: Astronomers detect oldest black hole ever observed. It's a million times the mass of Sun Powerful flares are often accompanied by coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The SpaceWeather report said that a CME was associated with Tuesday's flare likely with an Earth-directed component. The US Air Force is reporting a Type II solar radio burst, which typically comes from the leading edge of a CME. Based on the drift rate of the radio burst, the emerging CME's velocity could exceed 2,100 km/s, the report added.

Watch | Sun releases strongest X-class solar flare since 2017, radio blackout reported over Americas

NASA's Perseverance Rover has uncovered new details about water on the red planet Mars. The latest insights reveal signs of an ancient lake and river delta on Mars's Jezero crater.

NASA's Perseverance Rover finds new clues about water on Mars

<p>National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is soon to glean into and boost our understanding of Earth's atmosphere with its Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission. The mission is slated for a launch in early 2024.</p>

<p>This mission will see the deployment of advanced polarimeters to study the interaction of light, aerosols and clouds. This will in turn enhance our understanding of the impact of these factors on air quality and climate.</p>

<h2><strong>Not a trivial study</strong></h2>

<p>Aerosols are very small particles in the air like those of smoke, dust, sea salt and other pollutants. Though it may appear somewhat trivial to study them, these factors influence our climate.</p>

<p>Aerosols absorb as well as scatter sunlight. This decides how much solar energy reaches the surface of Earth.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | NASA sidesteps ban by US, appeals researchers to gather moon samples from China</strong></p>

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<p>The PACE mission will analyse the colour of the ocean as well.</p>

<p>"The primary science instrument planned for PACE is the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) which will be capable of measuring the color of the ocean from ultraviolet to shortwave infrared. PACE will also include two polarimeters. Such instruments are used to measure how the oscillation of sunlight within a geometric plane - known as its polarization - is changed by passing through clouds, aerosols, and the ocean. The polarimeters onboard the PACE observatory are the Spectro-polarimeter for Planetary Exploration (SPEXone) and the Hyper Angular Research Polarimeter (HARP2)," says NASA on its website.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-perseverance-rover-decodes-martian-lakes-ancient-history-after-spending-1000-martian-days-669370">NASA's Perseverance rover decodes Martian lake's ancient history after 1000 Martian days</a></strong></p>

<p>The agency further explains that SPEXone and HARP2 will together provide "complementary spectral and angular sampling, polarimetric accuracy, and spatial coverage".</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/heres-how-solar-systems-bizarre-phenomena-dramatically-ballooned-atmosphere-of-mars-669420">Here's how solar system's bizarre phenomena dramatically ballooned atmosphere of Mars</a></strong></p>

<p>This will in turn "provide opportunities for improved OCI atmospheric correction, as well as a comprehensive range of aerosol and cloud science data products beyond what could be accomplished by the OCI alone. Thus, the synergistic payload of the OCI, SPEXone, and HARP2 will be poised to make significant breakthroughs in aerosol-cloud-ocean research,"&nbsp;says NASA.</p>

<p><em>(With input from agencies)</em></p>


National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is soon to glean into and boost our understanding of Earth's atmosphere with its Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is soon to glean into and boost our understanding of Earth's atmosphere with its Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission. The mission is slated for a launch in early 2024. This mission will see the deployment of advanced polarimeters to study the interaction of light, aerosols and clouds. This will in turn enhance our understanding of the impact of these factors on air quality and climate. Not a trivial study Aerosols are very small particles in the air like those of smoke, dust, sea salt and other pollutants. Though it may appear somewhat trivial to study them, these factors influence our climate. Aerosols absorb as well as scatter sunlight. This decides how much solar energy reaches the surface of Earth. Watch | NASA sidesteps ban by US, appeals researchers to gather moon samples from China × The PACE mission will analyse the colour of the ocean as well. "The primary science instrument planned for PACE is the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) which will be capable of measuring the color of the ocean from ultraviolet to shortwave infrared. PACE will also include two polarimeters. Such instruments are used to measure how the oscillation of sunlight within a geometric plane - known as its polarization - is changed by passing through clouds, aerosols, and the ocean. The polarimeters onboard the PACE observatory are the Spectro-polarimeter for Planetary Exploration (SPEXone) and the Hyper Angular Research Polarimeter (HARP2)," says NASA on its website. Also Read | NASA's Perseverance rover decodes Martian lake's ancient history after 1000 Martian days The agency further explains that SPEXone and HARP2 will together provide "complementary spectral and angular sampling, polarimetric accuracy, and spatial coverage". Also Read | Here's how solar system's bizarre phenomena dramatically ballooned atmosphere of Mars This will in turn "provide opportunities for improved OCI atmospheric correction, as well as a comprehensive range of aerosol and cloud science data products beyond what could be accomplished by the OCI alone. Thus, the synergistic payload of the OCI, SPEXone, and HARP2 will be poised to make significant breakthroughs in aerosol-cloud-ocean research," says NASA. (With input from agencies)

NASA preps for PACE mission to study factors that shape our climate

<p>Asteroids are fine till they're whooshing past our home planet. Even a nudge from these high-speed space rocks can spell disaster for Earth and all the life on it. A straight hit from an asteroid millions of years ago ended the reign of dinosaurs and paved the way for mammals to evolve.</p>

<p>NASA and other space agencies across the world keep an eye on the asteroids near Earth. The space agency has said that a bus-sized asteroid is set to go past Earth. The asteroid has been designated Asteroid 2023 XH7 by NASA.</p>

<p>NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) has revealed that Asteroid 2023 XH7 will come as close as 940,148 kilometres to Earth. This may sound a lot but in terms of distances in space, this one is nothing. The asteroid is hurtling through space at 71276 kilometres per hour.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | NASA sidesteps ban by US, appeals researchers to gather moon samples from China</strong></p>

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<p>Asteroid 2023 XH7 is from the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids. These are the asteroids that fly close to Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA says that this is not the first time Asteroid XH7 has come close to Earth. The asteroid came close to Earth for the first time on July 5, 2020. At that time, it had passed by Earth from a lot afar. It was &nbsp;9.7 million kilometers away.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-perseverance-rover-decodes-martian-lakes-ancient-history-after-spending-1000-martian-days-669370">NASA's Perseverance rover decodes Martian lake's ancient history after 1000 Martian days</a></strong></p>

<p>The same asteroid will come into our neighbourhood again on July 22, 2033. At that time, it will be 63 million kilometres away from the Earth.</p>

<h2><strong>Does it pose a threat?</strong></h2>

<p>The asteroid is just 34 feet across, the size of a bus. Due to its small size, it does not pose a big threat to Earth. Asteroids bigger than 492 feet that fly by Earth at a distance less than 7.5 kilometres are classified by NASA as 'Potentially Hazardous Objects'.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/heres-how-solar-systems-bizarre-phenomena-dramatically-ballooned-atmosphere-of-mars-669420">Here's how solar system's bizarre phenomena dramatically ballooned atmosphere of Mars</a></strong></p>

<p>NASA tracks asteroids using its vast network of telescopes that includes powerful ones such as NEOWISE telescope, Pans-STARRS1, Catalina Sky Survey, Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and more.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Asteroids are fine till they're whooshing past our home planet. Even a nudge from these high-speed space rocks can spell disaster for Earth and all the life on it.

Asteroids are fine till they're whooshing past our home planet. Even a nudge from these high-speed space rocks can spell disaster for Earth and all the life on it. A straight hit from an asteroid millions of years ago ended the reign of dinosaurs and paved the way for mammals to evolve. NASA and other space agencies across the world keep an eye on the asteroids near Earth. The space agency has said that a bus-sized asteroid is set to go past Earth. The asteroid has been designated Asteroid 2023 XH7 by NASA. NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) has revealed that Asteroid 2023 XH7 will come as close as 940,148 kilometres to Earth. This may sound a lot but in terms of distances in space, this one is nothing. The asteroid is hurtling through space at 71276 kilometres per hour. Watch | NASA sidesteps ban by US, appeals researchers to gather moon samples from China × Asteroid 2023 XH7 is from the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids. These are the asteroids that fly close to Earth. NASA says that this is not the first time Asteroid XH7 has come close to Earth. The asteroid came close to Earth for the first time on July 5, 2020. At that time, it had passed by Earth from a lot afar. It was 9.7 million kilometers away. Also Read | NASA's Perseverance rover decodes Martian lake's ancient history after 1000 Martian days The same asteroid will come into our neighbourhood again on July 22, 2033. At that time, it will be 63 million kilometres away from the Earth. Does it pose a threat? The asteroid is just 34 feet across, the size of a bus. Due to its small size, it does not pose a big threat to Earth. Asteroids bigger than 492 feet that fly by Earth at a distance less than 7.5 kilometres are classified by NASA as 'Potentially Hazardous Objects'. Also Read | Here's how solar system's bizarre phenomena dramatically ballooned atmosphere of Mars NASA tracks asteroids using its vast network of telescopes that includes powerful ones such as NEOWISE telescope, Pans-STARRS1, Catalina Sky Survey, Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and more. (With inputs from agencies)

Bus-sized asteroid set to fly by Earth, says NASA

<p>The James Webb Space Telescope is arguably&nbsp;humanity's latest and best 'eye in the sky.'&nbsp;It is equipped with the&nbsp;tech to glean corners of the universe hitherto out of our scientific reach.</p>

<p>The James Webb, however, in no way diminishes importance and significance of good old Hubble Space Telescope which has loyally been bringing us space photos since early 90s.</p>

<p>Hubble Space Telescope is up and running again. It had experienced a glitch and went into 'safe mode' on November 19. But NASA has fixed the problem and Hubble has started doing what it has been doing best, focus its lenses at distant corners of the universe and bring us more insights.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | NASA sidesteps ban by US, appeals researchers to gather moon samples from China</strong></p>

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<p>The telescope went in safe mode last month after one of its gyros failed. The gyros are important pieces of machinery since they are part of the telescope's aiming and guidance system. Their function also helps Fine Guidance Sensors and Reaction Wheels.</p>

<p>NASA engineers quickly made repairs the next day but it failed again. As a result, operations of the space telescope stopped on November 21.</p>

<p><strong>Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-beginning-of-an-end-human-activity-on-moon-shows-sign-of-lunar-anthropocene-669613">Explained | Beginning of an end? Human activity on moon shows sign of 'Lunar Anthropocene'</a></strong></p>

<p>A repair was made to it, but a failure was again observed on November 23. The operations were then suspended till December 8.</p>

<p>But now, NASA has fixed the problem and Hubble Space Telescope started working again less than a week ago.</p>

<h2><strong>The Hubble legacy</strong></h2>

<p>Hubble Space Telescope, when it was launched in the 90s, was a huge leap in space exploration and study as humanity, for the first time the world had an actual telescope in space which was able to bypass problems faced by earth-based telescopes. Although we can observe the cosmos from Earth, the problems introduced by factors such as Earth's atmosphere and more, put constraints on our&nbsp;stargazing.</p>

<p><strong>Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-what-causes-solar-storms-how-they-affect-earth-and-related-phenomenon-669635">Explained | What causes solar storms, how they affect Earth and related phenomenon</a></strong></p>

<p>Hubble in that respect has been invaluable. However, it has suffered numerous technical snafus over the years needing more than frequent repairs. Astronauts have also had to be sent to make&nbsp;some of these repairs manually. Nonetheless,&nbsp;Hubble Space Telescope remains an iconic symbol of human scientific achievement and a topic of sweet nostalgia.</p>


The James Webb Space Telescope is arguably humanity's latest and best 'eye in the sky.' It is equipped with the tech to glean corners of the universe hitherto out of our scientific reach.

The James Webb Space Telescope is arguably humanity's latest and best 'eye in the sky.' It is equipped with the tech to glean corners of the universe hitherto out of our scientific reach. The James Webb, however, in no way diminishes importance and significance of good old Hubble Space Telescope which has loyally been bringing us space photos since early 90s. Hubble Space Telescope is up and running again. It had experienced a glitch and went into 'safe mode' on November 19. But NASA has fixed the problem and Hubble has started doing what it has been doing best, focus its lenses at distant corners of the universe and bring us more insights. Watch | NASA sidesteps ban by US, appeals researchers to gather moon samples from China × The telescope went in safe mode last month after one of its gyros failed. The gyros are important pieces of machinery since they are part of the telescope's aiming and guidance system. Their function also helps Fine Guidance Sensors and Reaction Wheels. NASA engineers quickly made repairs the next day but it failed again. As a result, operations of the space telescope stopped on November 21. Read: Explained | Beginning of an end? Human activity on moon shows sign of 'Lunar Anthropocene' A repair was made to it, but a failure was again observed on November 23. The operations were then suspended till December 8. But now, NASA has fixed the problem and Hubble Space Telescope started working again less than a week ago. The Hubble legacy Hubble Space Telescope, when it was launched in the 90s, was a huge leap in space exploration and study as humanity, for the first time the world had an actual telescope in space which was able to bypass problems faced by earth-based telescopes. Although we can observe the cosmos from Earth, the problems introduced by factors such as Earth's atmosphere and more, put constraints on our stargazing. Read: Explained | What causes solar storms, how they affect Earth and related phenomenon Hubble in that respect has been invaluable. However, it has suffered numerous technical snafus over the years needing more than frequent repairs. Astronauts have also had to be sent to make some of these repairs manually. Nonetheless, Hubble Space Telescope remains an iconic symbol of human scientific achievement and a topic of sweet nostalgia.

Trusty ol' Hubble Space Telescope is working again after NASA fixes problem

<p>NASA on Wednesday (Dec 13) announced that its Perseverance rover has completed the job that it was assigned to do when it landed on the planet Mars in February 2021. The basic task given to the robot was to conduct the survey of Jezero Crater, an ancient crater lake, and collect rocks which will help in their quest to find evidence for past life.</p>

<p>In a major conference held in San Francisco, the mission team said that the rover had accomplished this primary objective as it completed its 1000 Martian days.</p>

<p>"Marking its 1,000th Martian day on the Red Planet, NASA’s Perseverance rover recently completed its exploration of the ancient river delta that holds evidence of a lake that filled Jezero Crater billions of years ago. The six-wheeled scientist has to date collected a total of 23 samples, revealing the geologic history of this region of Mars in the process," stated NASA, in its media release.</p>

<p>"It's a pretty incredible achievement and we've done an amazing amount of science," NASA's director of planetary science Dr Lori Glaze said. However, the completion of the task did not mean that the Perseverance would park up and "switch off the engine".</p>

<p>However, the scientists are left with many challenges ahead, which include how the rock samples of the vehicle will be brought back to Earth so that they can be studied in the lab.</p>

<p>“We picked Jezero Crater as a landing site because orbital imagery showed a delta – clear evidence that a large lake once filled the crater. A lake is a potentially habitable environment, and delta rocks are a great environment for entombing signs of ancient life as fossils in the geologic record,” Perseverance’s project scientist Ken Farley of Caltech said. “After thorough exploration, we’ve pieced together the crater’s geologic history, charting its lake and river phase from beginning to end," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>NASA's exploration of the Jezero Crater</strong></h2>

<p>NASA will be entering into a partnership with the European Space Agency on a project around Jezero Crater, however, a review board is currently examining the technical solutions, time frame and cost and it will report early next year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This would necessarily involve sending a rocket to Mars which will be loaded with the finger-sized samples which will be blasted into space for the journey home.</p>

<p>"It will be one of the most audacious robotic missions ever conducted," said Arizona State University's Dr Mini Wadhwa, who is the principal scientist on NASA's Mars Sample Return programme.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


NASA on Wednesday (Dec 13) announced that its Perseverance rover has completed the job that it was assigned to do when it landed on the planet Mars in February 2021.

NASA on Wednesday (Dec 13) announced that its Perseverance rover has completed the job that it was assigned to do when it landed on the planet Mars in February 2021. The basic task given to the robot was to conduct the survey of Jezero Crater, an ancient crater lake, and collect rocks which will help in their quest to find evidence for past life. In a major conference held in San Francisco, the mission team said that the rover had accomplished this primary objective as it completed its 1000 Martian days. "Marking its 1,000th Martian day on the Red Planet, NASA’s Perseverance rover recently completed its exploration of the ancient river delta that holds evidence of a lake that filled Jezero Crater billions of years ago. The six-wheeled scientist has to date collected a total of 23 samples, revealing the geologic history of this region of Mars in the process," stated NASA, in its media release. "It's a pretty incredible achievement and we've done an amazing amount of science," NASA's director of planetary science Dr Lori Glaze said. However, the completion of the task did not mean that the Perseverance would park up and "switch off the engine". However, the scientists are left with many challenges ahead, which include how the rock samples of the vehicle will be brought back to Earth so that they can be studied in the lab. “We picked Jezero Crater as a landing site because orbital imagery showed a delta – clear evidence that a large lake once filled the crater. A lake is a potentially habitable environment, and delta rocks are a great environment for entombing signs of ancient life as fossils in the geologic record,” Perseverance’s project scientist Ken Farley of Caltech said. “After thorough exploration, we’ve pieced together the crater’s geologic history, charting its lake and river phase from beginning to end," he added. NASA's exploration of the Jezero Crater NASA will be entering into a partnership with the European Space Agency on a project around Jezero Crater, however, a review board is currently examining the technical solutions, time frame and cost and it will report early next year. This would necessarily involve sending a rocket to Mars which will be loaded with the finger-sized samples which will be blasted into space for the journey home. "It will be one of the most audacious robotic missions ever conducted," said Arizona State University's Dr Mini Wadhwa, who is the principal scientist on NASA's Mars Sample Return programme. (With inputs from agencies)

Perseverance completes 1,000 days on Mars, decodes mystery of ancient crater lake

<p>Over a month after NASA unveiled the sample collected from asteroid Bennu, scientists have finally been able to take a closer look at the rock from outer space and they are stumped. Earlier this week, at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), researchers said that they have found that the sample contains a surprisingly rich array of carbon-bearing molecules.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Cauliflower-like texture’</strong></h2>

<p>“We definitely have hydrated, organic-rich remnants from the early solar system, which is exactly what we were hoping when we first conceived this mission almost 20 years ago,” said Dante Lauretta, the mission’s principal investigator and professor of planetary science and cosmochemistry at the University of Arizona, during the AGU.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “I fully expect the cosmochemistry community is going to go to town on this.” Lauretta, as per Live Science, also spoke about how they have been able to retrieve only bits of the 3-billion-year-old asteroid from the outer lid of the sample capsule and described it as rich in carbon and organic molecules.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-to-unveil-fascinating-bennu-asteroid-sample-to-the-public-645380">NASA unveils sample from asteroid Bennu, says it contains abundant water and carbon</a></strong></p>

<p>The scientists have only been able to take a small part of the sample since the probe dug out so much material that particles began leaking out of the sample collector’s head, but the ones inside its outer lid were protected.</p>

<p>Therefore, while the researchers wait for approval to use new tools for use on the precious rocks, they are using tweezers to pick tiny rocks through the partially open flap and have collected 70.3 grams.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The team believes the container still holds an additional 30 grams to 70 grams of rock which will be extracted next year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-nasa-fetches-celestial-cargo-to-earth-heres-why-bennu-asteroid-samples-matter-639472">Explained | NASA sends Bennu asteroid samples to Earth. Here's why the celestial cargo matters</a></strong></p>

<p>So far, they have found that the particles are very dark in colour and consist of centimetre- and millimetre-sized “hummocky boulders” that have a rough “cauliflower-like texture,” said Lauretta, adding that they “cling to everything we touch them with.”</p>

<h2>‘Largest pristine reservoir’</h2>

<p>Speaking at the conference, Lauretta also described the material as the “largest pristine reservoir of this material on Earth.” It is believed that the diversity of organic compounds that the extraterrestrial rock contains would help researchers understand the billions of years old complex space-based chemistry and if the origins of life on Earth can be traced back to it being hit by these asteroids.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Lauretta, an initial analysis at the Carnegie Institution for Science suggests that the sample contains up to 4.7 per cent carbon by mass. Researchers also observed metre-long veins of white minerals which were initially thought to be calcium carbonate or limestone.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/unexpected-discovery-scientists-stumble-upon-dark-material-in-asteroid-sample-dropped-from-space-642898">Unexpected discovery: Scientists stumble upon dark material in asteroid sample dropped from space</a></strong></p>

<p>However, once placed under an electron microscope, the white material looked more like skin, according to the principal investigator. Researchers also shined a light on the white material and it reflected, which does not happen with calcium carbonate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The team later not only found the signs of carbon and organic molecules but also magnesium, sodium, and phosphate. “I’ve been looking at meteorites for a long time and I’ve never come across anything like that,” said the University of Arizona professor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “It’s a head-scratcher right now. What is this material?” The researcher also highlighted an important early result based on the initial findings which indicate that overall composition closely resembles the ratio of elements seen in the Sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Over a month after NASA unveiled the sample collected from asteroid Bennu, scientists have finally been able to take a closer look at the rock from outer space and they are stumped.

Over a month after NASA unveiled the sample collected from asteroid Bennu, scientists have finally been able to take a closer look at the rock from outer space and they are stumped. Earlier this week, at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), researchers said that they have found that the sample contains a surprisingly rich array of carbon-bearing molecules. ‘Cauliflower-like texture’ “We definitely have hydrated, organic-rich remnants from the early solar system, which is exactly what we were hoping when we first conceived this mission almost 20 years ago,” said Dante Lauretta, the mission’s principal investigator and professor of planetary science and cosmochemistry at the University of Arizona, during the AGU. He added, “I fully expect the cosmochemistry community is going to go to town on this.” Lauretta, as per Live Science, also spoke about how they have been able to retrieve only bits of the 3-billion-year-old asteroid from the outer lid of the sample capsule and described it as rich in carbon and organic molecules. ALSO READ | NASA unveils sample from asteroid Bennu, says it contains abundant water and carbon The scientists have only been able to take a small part of the sample since the probe dug out so much material that particles began leaking out of the sample collector’s head, but the ones inside its outer lid were protected. Therefore, while the researchers wait for approval to use new tools for use on the precious rocks, they are using tweezers to pick tiny rocks through the partially open flap and have collected 70.3 grams. The team believes the container still holds an additional 30 grams to 70 grams of rock which will be extracted next year. ALSO READ | Explained | NASA sends Bennu asteroid samples to Earth. Here's why the celestial cargo matters So far, they have found that the particles are very dark in colour and consist of centimetre- and millimetre-sized “hummocky boulders” that have a rough “cauliflower-like texture,” said Lauretta, adding that they “cling to everything we touch them with.” ‘Largest pristine reservoir’ Speaking at the conference, Lauretta also described the material as the “largest pristine reservoir of this material on Earth.” It is believed that the diversity of organic compounds that the extraterrestrial rock contains would help researchers understand the billions of years old complex space-based chemistry and if the origins of life on Earth can be traced back to it being hit by these asteroids. According to Lauretta, an initial analysis at the Carnegie Institution for Science suggests that the sample contains up to 4.7 per cent carbon by mass. Researchers also observed metre-long veins of white minerals which were initially thought to be calcium carbonate or limestone. ALSO READ | Unexpected discovery: Scientists stumble upon dark material in asteroid sample dropped from space However, once placed under an electron microscope, the white material looked more like skin, according to the principal investigator. Researchers also shined a light on the white material and it reflected, which does not happen with calcium carbonate. The team later not only found the signs of carbon and organic molecules but also magnesium, sodium, and phosphate. “I’ve been looking at meteorites for a long time and I’ve never come across anything like that,” said the University of Arizona professor. He added, “It’s a head-scratcher right now. What is this material?” The researcher also highlighted an important early result based on the initial findings which indicate that overall composition closely resembles the ratio of elements seen in the Sun. (With inputs from agencies)

Bennu asteroid: Hummocky boulders with cauliflower-like texture in canister stump scientists

<p>Orion spacecraft, a key part of NASA’s Artemis I mission, made an iconic re-entry to&nbsp;Earth on Dec 11 last year. To mark the anniversary of this historic return, NASA released footage of the ship falling through the atmosphere at a whopping 32 times the speed of sound.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Orion was designed to take humans into deep space. It was launched using NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) on 16 Nov 2022.&nbsp;NASA paid a perfect tribute to the spacecraft by sharing the video of the fiery re-entry of the Orion capsule to Earth.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One year ago today, NASA’s Orion spacecraft reentered the atmosphere after completing a 1.4 million-mile, 25.5 day <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Artemis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Artemis</a> I mission around the Moon. View the full length video here: <a href="https://t.co/0Rn7eRETua">https://t.co/0Rn7eRETua</a> <a href="https://t.co/gX95N8Kz5J">pic.twitter.com/gX95N8Kz5J</a></p>
— Orion Spacecraft (@NASA_Orion) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA_Orion/status/1734325197145059632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>NASA highlighted the amazing footage on Monday, Dec 11, posting a one-minute clip of it on social media X and also linked the full 25-minute re-entry video of the Orion.</p>

<h2><strong>Orion: Spacecraft of many firsts</strong></h2>

<p>Orion was sent into space for 25 days, six of which were in orbit around the moon. It reached a distance of 434,500 kilometres (270,000 miles) away, travelling further than any spacecraft designed for humans so far, before plunging into our atmosphere at around 40,000 kilometres per hour (25,000 miles per hour). Hence, it became the first spacecraft designed by humans to reach the farthest into space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/colossal-tsunami-waves-of-92-feet-to-strike-new-zealand-every-580-years-study-669092">New Zealand at risk of tsunami waves as high as 92 feet every 580 years: Study</a></p>

<p>Another first for Orion was its epic re-entry to Earth. It became the first spaceship designed for humans to attempt a “skip” re-entry, bouncing off the atmosphere like an incredibly expensive stone on a lake. This approach helped the craft land consistently at the same site, despite where it first entered the Earth’s atmosphere. Orion’s method of re-entry will play a pivotal role in the Artemis II mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The skip entry will help Orion land closer to the coast of the United States, where recovery crews will be waiting to bring the spacecraft back to land,” Chris Madsen, Orion guidance, navigation, and control subsystem manager, explained in a statement ahead of the launch.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/brainoware-this-happened-when-scientists-combined-real-human-brain-tissue-with-electronics-668968">Brainoware: This happened when scientists combined real human brain tissue with electronics</a></p>

<p>“When we fly crew in Orion beginning with Artemis II, landing accuracy will help make sure we can retrieve the crew quickly and reduces the number of resources we will need to have stationed in the Pacific Ocean to assist in recovery.”</p>

<p>NASA is now gearing up for the Artemis II mission, which will be the first-ever crewed flight aboard the Orion spacecraft, scheduled to be launched in Nov 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Orion spacecraft, a key part of NASA’s Artemis I mission, made an iconic re-entry to Earth on Dec 11 last year. To mark the anniversary of this historic return, NASA released footage of the ship falling through the atmosphere at a whopping 32 times the speed of sound.

Orion spacecraft, a key part of NASA’s Artemis I mission, made an iconic re-entry to Earth on Dec 11 last year. To mark the anniversary of this historic return, NASA released footage of the ship falling through the atmosphere at a whopping 32 times the speed of sound. Orion was designed to take humans into deep space. It was launched using NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) on 16 Nov 2022. NASA paid a perfect tribute to the spacecraft by sharing the video of the fiery re-entry of the Orion capsule to Earth. One year ago today, NASA’s Orion spacecraft reentered the atmosphere after completing a 1.4 million-mile, 25.5 day #Artemis I mission around the Moon. View the full length video here: https://t.co/0Rn7eRETua pic.twitter.com/gX95N8Kz5J — Orion Spacecraft (@NASA_Orion) December 11, 2023 × NASA highlighted the amazing footage on Monday, Dec 11, posting a one-minute clip of it on social media X and also linked the full 25-minute re-entry video of the Orion. Orion: Spacecraft of many firsts Orion was sent into space for 25 days, six of which were in orbit around the moon. It reached a distance of 434,500 kilometres (270,000 miles) away, travelling further than any spacecraft designed for humans so far, before plunging into our atmosphere at around 40,000 kilometres per hour (25,000 miles per hour). Hence, it became the first spacecraft designed by humans to reach the farthest into space. Also Read | New Zealand at risk of tsunami waves as high as 92 feet every 580 years: Study Another first for Orion was its epic re-entry to Earth. It became the first spaceship designed for humans to attempt a “skip” re-entry, bouncing off the atmosphere like an incredibly expensive stone on a lake. This approach helped the craft land consistently at the same site, despite where it first entered the Earth’s atmosphere. Orion’s method of re-entry will play a pivotal role in the Artemis II mission. “The skip entry will help Orion land closer to the coast of the United States, where recovery crews will be waiting to bring the spacecraft back to land,” Chris Madsen, Orion guidance, navigation, and control subsystem manager, explained in a statement ahead of the launch. Also Read | Brainoware: This happened when scientists combined real human brain tissue with electronics “When we fly crew in Orion beginning with Artemis II, landing accuracy will help make sure we can retrieve the crew quickly and reduces the number of resources we will need to have stationed in the Pacific Ocean to assist in recovery.” NASA is now gearing up for the Artemis II mission, which will be the first-ever crewed flight aboard the Orion spacecraft, scheduled to be launched in Nov 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | NASA video shows Orion re-entering Earth at 32 times the speed of sound

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched the space probe Voyager 1 in 1977 to study the outer Solar System, the interstellar space beyond the Sun's heliosphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p>No spacecraft has travelled as far as Voyager 1, which is still collecting data. But sadly, it is unable to dial back home because of a glitch.</p>

<p>The spacecraft and its twin, Voyager 2, are the two longest-operating spacecraft in history. It's like a cosmic version of a song by Adele when she sang 'Hello from the other side. I must've called a thousand times...'&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-perseverance-rover-decodes-martian-lakes-ancient-history-after-spending-1000-martian-days-669370">NASA's Perseverance rover decodes Martian lake's ancient history after spending 1000 Martian days</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>In a blog post, NASA wrote that engineers and other experts are working to resolve an issue with one of Voyager 1's three onboard computers, called the flight data system (FDS).&nbsp;</p>

<p>When it works properly, the FDS works on compiling information into a data package. It collects data from the science instruments as well as engineering data about the health and status of the spacecraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once compiled, the data is then transmitted back to Earth using the telecommunications unit (TMU).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-puzzle-out-how-atmospheric-green-ghosts-are-formed-669203">How are atmospheric 'green ghosts' formed? We might finally have an answer</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The blog post said that the spacecraft is receiving and executing commands sent from Earth; however, the FDS is not communicating properly with one of the probe's subsystems, called the TMU. As a result, no science or engineering data is being sent back to Earth.</p>

<p>It said that the 46-year-old spacecraft is capable of receiving commands, but a fault appears to have occurred with the probe's processors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA said that the data is in the form of ones and zeros (or binary code). "Varying combinations of the two numbers are the basis of all computer language," it said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>When the issue will be resolved?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>As per the NASA blog post, it could take several weeks for engineers to develop a new plan to remedy the issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Finding solutions to problems encountered by the probes requires reading original, decades-old materials written by engineers. It is assumed that the experts may not even anticipate the issue faced by the probe today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As a result, it takes time for the team to understand how a new command will affect the spacecraft’s operations in order to avoid unintended consequences," NASA said.&nbsp;</p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched the space probe Voyager 1 in 1977 to study the outer Solar System, the interstellar space beyond the Sun's heliosphere.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched the space probe Voyager 1 in 1977 to study the outer Solar System, the interstellar space beyond the Sun's heliosphere. No spacecraft has travelled as far as Voyager 1, which is still collecting data. But sadly, it is unable to dial back home because of a glitch. The spacecraft and its twin, Voyager 2, are the two longest-operating spacecraft in history. It's like a cosmic version of a song by Adele when she sang 'Hello from the other side. I must've called a thousand times...' Also read: NASA's Perseverance rover decodes Martian lake's ancient history after spending 1000 Martian days In a blog post, NASA wrote that engineers and other experts are working to resolve an issue with one of Voyager 1's three onboard computers, called the flight data system (FDS). When it works properly, the FDS works on compiling information into a data package. It collects data from the science instruments as well as engineering data about the health and status of the spacecraft. Once compiled, the data is then transmitted back to Earth using the telecommunications unit (TMU). Also read: How are atmospheric 'green ghosts' formed? We might finally have an answer The blog post said that the spacecraft is receiving and executing commands sent from Earth; however, the FDS is not communicating properly with one of the probe's subsystems, called the TMU. As a result, no science or engineering data is being sent back to Earth. It said that the 46-year-old spacecraft is capable of receiving commands, but a fault appears to have occurred with the probe's processors. NASA said that the data is in the form of ones and zeros (or binary code). "Varying combinations of the two numbers are the basis of all computer language," it said. When the issue will be resolved? As per the NASA blog post, it could take several weeks for engineers to develop a new plan to remedy the issue. Finding solutions to problems encountered by the probes requires reading original, decades-old materials written by engineers. It is assumed that the experts may not even anticipate the issue faced by the probe today. "As a result, it takes time for the team to understand how a new command will affect the spacecraft’s operations in order to avoid unintended consequences," NASA said.

'Hello from the other side': NASA's Voyager 1 faces glitch in interstellar space, can't call back home

<p>NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope captured a stunning new image of a&nbsp;star that exploded in the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A (Cas A). The image was released by the American space agency to showcase the “Magic, Wonder, and Joy” of the holiday season, as a part of the first-ever White House Advent Calendar which was unveiled by Dr Jill Biden, NASA said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cas A is one of the most well-studied supernova remnants in the cosmos, with multiple telescopes over the years piecing the multiwavelength picture of the object’s remnant. The new image shows the intricate details of the expanding material colliding with the gas shed by the star before it exploded.</p>

<h2><strong>About the new image</strong></h2>

<p>Since infrared is invisible to our eyes, image processors and scientists translate these wavelengths of light which make it visible to us. This was also the case with the new image of Cas A where colours were assigned to different filters from NIRCam, each of which hinted at a different activity occurring within the object.</p>

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<p>“With NIRCam’s resolution, we can now see how the dying star absolutely shattered when it exploded, leaving filaments akin to tiny shards of glass behind,” said Danny Milisavljevic of Purdue University, who leads the research team, in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “It’s really unbelievable after all these years studying Cas A to now resolve those details, which are providing us with transformational insight into how this star exploded.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/space-gas-stations-american-startup-aims-to-revolutionise-space-technology-668508">Space gas stations: American startup aims to revolutionise space technology</a></strong></p>

<p>According to NASA, one of the most noticeable differences in the newest image are clumps represented in bright orange and light pink which make up the inner shell of the supernova remnant.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="1" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="53e1faa9-1733-4451-8871-671894aa744c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WION%20IMAGES%21%20-%202023-12-12T093405.613.png" /><br />
<em><strong>Photo credit:&nbsp;NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Danny Milisavljevic (Purdue University), Ilse De Looze (UGent), Tea Temim (Princeton University)</strong></em></p>

<p>However, some debris is too tiny even for the Webb since they are around or less than 10 billion miles across when compared to the entirety of Cas A which is around 10 light-years across, or 60 trillion miles.&nbsp;</p>


NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope captured a stunning new image of a star that exploded in the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A (Cas A). The image was released by the American space agency to showcase the “Magic, Wonder, and Joy” of the holiday season, as a part of the first-ever White House Advent Calendar which was unveiled by Dr Jill Biden, NASA said.

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope captured a stunning new image of a star that exploded in the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A (Cas A). The image was released by the American space agency to showcase the “Magic, Wonder, and Joy” of the holiday season, as a part of the first-ever White House Advent Calendar which was unveiled by Dr Jill Biden, NASA said. Cas A is one of the most well-studied supernova remnants in the cosmos, with multiple telescopes over the years piecing the multiwavelength picture of the object’s remnant. The new image shows the intricate details of the expanding material colliding with the gas shed by the star before it exploded. About the new image Since infrared is invisible to our eyes, image processors and scientists translate these wavelengths of light which make it visible to us. This was also the case with the new image of Cas A where colours were assigned to different filters from NIRCam, each of which hinted at a different activity occurring within the object. ALSO READ | 12-billion-year-old and largest reservoir of water found floating around black hole “With NIRCam’s resolution, we can now see how the dying star absolutely shattered when it exploded, leaving filaments akin to tiny shards of glass behind,” said Danny Milisavljevic of Purdue University, who leads the research team, in a statement. He added, “It’s really unbelievable after all these years studying Cas A to now resolve those details, which are providing us with transformational insight into how this star exploded.” ALSO READ | Space gas stations: American startup aims to revolutionise space technology According to NASA, one of the most noticeable differences in the newest image are clumps represented in bright orange and light pink which make up the inner shell of the supernova remnant. Photo credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Danny Milisavljevic (Purdue University), Ilse De Looze (UGent), Tea Temim (Princeton University) However, some debris is too tiny even for the Webb since they are around or less than 10 billion miles across when compared to the entirety of Cas A which is around 10 light-years across, or 60 trillion miles.

James Webb captures smashing images of a star that exploded

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<p>Astronomers have detected the oldest black hole ever observed, with around a million times the mass of the Sun. Citing observations published in Arxiv, a report by The Guardian on Sunday (Dec 10) said that the black hole dates back more than 13 billion years to the dawn of the universe. The observations, made by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), reveal it to be at the heart of a galaxy 440 million years after the big bang.</p>

<p>The observations of the GN-z11 galaxy, push the origins of this mystery back to black holes’ infancy and suggest that they were either born big or ballooned extremely rapidly early on, the report said.</p>

<p>There is no direct image of the black hole captured, which is unseeable as no light can escape it. However, astronomers found telltale signatures of its accretion disk, the halo of gas and dust that swirls around the cosmic sinkhole.</p>

<h2><strong>A puzzle that seems to be deepening</strong></h2>

<p>Professor Roberto Maiolino, an astrophysicist at the University of Cambridge, who led the observations, said, “The surprise is in it being so very massive. That was the most unexpected thing.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-strange-star-near-milky-way-black-hole-may-have-extra-galactic-origin-study-667207">A strange star near Milky Way's black hole may have extra-galactic origin: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>Professor Andrew Pontzen from University College London (UCL), who was not involved in the research, said the observations suggested that some black holes instead grew at a tremendous rate in the young universe, far faster than expected.</p>

<p>"Understanding where the black holes came from in the first place has always been a puzzle, but now that puzzle seems to be deepening," Professor Pontzen told the publication.</p>

<p>The observations are the latest in a series of stunning discoveries by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) space observatory.</p>

<h2><strong>What is a black hole?</strong></h2>

<p>According <strong><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/universe/what-are-black-holes/">to NASA</a></strong>, a black hole is an astronomical object with a gravitational pull so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape it. Its surface is called the event horizon which defines the boundary where the velocity needed to escape exceeds the speed of light, which is the speed limit of the cosmos.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Two main classes of black holes have been extensively observed. Stellar-mass black holes with three to dozens of times the Sun’s mass are spread throughout our Milky Way galaxy, while supermassive monsters weighing 100,000 to billions of solar masses are found in the centres of most big galaxies, ours included," NASA said.</p>

<p>Once formed, black holes can grow by accreting matter that falls into them, including gas stripped from neighbouring stars and even other black holes.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Astronomers have detected the oldest black hole ever observed, with around a million times the mass of the Sun. Citing observations published in Arxiv, a report by The Guardian on Sunday (Dec 10) said that the black hole dates back more than 13 billion years to the dawn of the universe.

Astronomers have detected the oldest black hole ever observed, with around a million times the mass of the Sun. Citing observations published in Arxiv, a report by The Guardian on Sunday (Dec 10) said that the black hole dates back more than 13 billion years to the dawn of the universe. The observations, made by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), reveal it to be at the heart of a galaxy 440 million years after the big bang. The observations of the GN-z11 galaxy, push the origins of this mystery back to black holes’ infancy and suggest that they were either born big or ballooned extremely rapidly early on, the report said. There is no direct image of the black hole captured, which is unseeable as no light can escape it. However, astronomers found telltale signatures of its accretion disk, the halo of gas and dust that swirls around the cosmic sinkhole. A puzzle that seems to be deepening Professor Roberto Maiolino, an astrophysicist at the University of Cambridge, who led the observations, said, “The surprise is in it being so very massive. That was the most unexpected thing.” Also read: A strange star near Milky Way's black hole may have extra-galactic origin: Study Professor Andrew Pontzen from University College London (UCL), who was not involved in the research, said the observations suggested that some black holes instead grew at a tremendous rate in the young universe, far faster than expected. "Understanding where the black holes came from in the first place has always been a puzzle, but now that puzzle seems to be deepening," Professor Pontzen told the publication. The observations are the latest in a series of stunning discoveries by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) space observatory. What is a black hole? According to NASA, a black hole is an astronomical object with a gravitational pull so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape it. Its surface is called the event horizon which defines the boundary where the velocity needed to escape exceeds the speed of light, which is the speed limit of the cosmos. "Two main classes of black holes have been extensively observed. Stellar-mass black holes with three to dozens of times the Sun’s mass are spread throughout our Milky Way galaxy, while supermassive monsters weighing 100,000 to billions of solar masses are found in the centres of most big galaxies, ours included," NASA said. Once formed, black holes can grow by accreting matter that falls into them, including gas stripped from neighbouring stars and even other black holes. (With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers detect oldest black hole ever observed. It's a million times the mass of Sun: Report

<p>A "gas station in space" may soon become a reality. Orbit Fab, an American company, is developing a system for on-orbit refuelling that includes fuel ports, refuelling shuttles, and orbital gas stations (refuelling tankers).</p>

<p>However, the on-orbit refuelling won't come cheap, its cost will start from a whopping $20 million.</p>

<h2><strong>The company behind it</strong></h2>

<p>The company has conducted tests, launched a fuel depot demonstrator, and is planning its next launch in 2024 for a mission with the Air Force Research Lab.</p>

<p>"We are delivering fuel in geostationary orbit for a mission that is being undertaken by the Air Force Research Lab," said CEO Daniel Faber.</p>

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<p>"At the moment, they're treating it as a demonstration, but it's getting a lot of interest from across the US government, from people that realise the value of refuelling," he added.</p>

<p>The company also has its first private customer lined up: Astroscale, a Japanese satellite servicing company, for its satellite designed for refuelling called LEXI. It is scheduled for launch in 2026.</p>

<h2><strong>Why does this matter?</strong></h2>

<p>Currently, the space is full of debris, a large part of which is made up of satellites, and space vehicles that have run out of fuel.</p>

<p>This initiative, as per CNN, comes as there is a growing interest in on-orbit servicing, which is seen as essential for a safe and sustainable development of space.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-detect-oldest-black-hole-ever-observed-its-a-million-times-the-mass-of-sun-report-668329">Astronomers detect oldest black hole ever observed. It's a million times the mass of Sun: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Simone D’Amico, an associate professor of astronautics at Stanford University, noted that this is key to the safe and sustainable development of space.</p>

<p>"Could you imagine a ground mobility infrastructure, roads and cities, without gas stations and auto repair shops? Could you imagine single-use cars or aeroplanes?" he asked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The development of space infrastructure and the proliferation of space assets is reaching a critical volume that is not sustainable any more without a change of paradigm."</p>

<p>"It's probably the only company in the world that has positioned itself to deploy 'gas stations' in orbit," said the Stanford University who has no affiliation with Orbit Fab.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think Orbit Fab's approach is really visionary and can pay off in the mid to long term. However, it has high risk in the short term, since satellites have to be designed having reusability and refuelling in mind," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A "gas station in space" may soon become a reality. Orbit Fab, an American company, is developing a system for on-orbit refuelling that includes fuel ports, refuelling shuttles, and orbital gas stations (refuelling tankers).

A "gas station in space" may soon become a reality. Orbit Fab, an American company, is developing a system for on-orbit refuelling that includes fuel ports, refuelling shuttles, and orbital gas stations (refuelling tankers). However, the on-orbit refuelling won't come cheap, its cost will start from a whopping $20 million. The company behind it The company has conducted tests, launched a fuel depot demonstrator, and is planning its next launch in 2024 for a mission with the Air Force Research Lab. "We are delivering fuel in geostationary orbit for a mission that is being undertaken by the Air Force Research Lab," said CEO Daniel Faber. Also read | Playing action video games for an hour significantly boosts alertness: Study "At the moment, they're treating it as a demonstration, but it's getting a lot of interest from across the US government, from people that realise the value of refuelling," he added. The company also has its first private customer lined up: Astroscale, a Japanese satellite servicing company, for its satellite designed for refuelling called LEXI. It is scheduled for launch in 2026. Why does this matter? Currently, the space is full of debris, a large part of which is made up of satellites, and space vehicles that have run out of fuel. This initiative, as per CNN, comes as there is a growing interest in on-orbit servicing, which is seen as essential for a safe and sustainable development of space. Also read | Astronomers detect oldest black hole ever observed. It's a million times the mass of Sun: Report Simone D’Amico, an associate professor of astronautics at Stanford University, noted that this is key to the safe and sustainable development of space. "Could you imagine a ground mobility infrastructure, roads and cities, without gas stations and auto repair shops? Could you imagine single-use cars or aeroplanes?" he asked. "The development of space infrastructure and the proliferation of space assets is reaching a critical volume that is not sustainable any more without a change of paradigm." "It's probably the only company in the world that has positioned itself to deploy 'gas stations' in orbit," said the Stanford University who has no affiliation with Orbit Fab. "I think Orbit Fab's approach is really visionary and can pay off in the mid to long term. However, it has high risk in the short term, since satellites have to be designed having reusability and refuelling in mind," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Space gas stations: American startup aims to revolutionise space technology

In Pics | NASA scientists inspect Artemis 2 booster At Florida's Kennedy Space Center

<p>When our solar system formed, the Sun was the first to form out of clumps of gaseous clouds that came together, collapsed under their own gravity and eventually kickstarted nuclear fusion as more and more material 'fell' into the still-forming Sun. After the Sun was formed, the remaining material was still revolving around it. This 'protoplanetary' disc eventually gave rise to planets.</p>

<p>Researchers have used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to click a space 'hamburger'. In a layman terms, this is the very first ice map of a protoplanetary disc around a young star.</p>

<h2><strong>Why study protoplanetary discs?</strong></h2>

<p>The protoplanetary disc around a young star can contain many elements. As reported in Space[dot]com, presence of ice in the protoplanetary disc helps matter clump together. This may in turn, help formation of planets or even comets around the star. Study of protoplanetary discs can reveal a lot about formation of our solar system and models of planet formation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | NASA satellites discover a 6-planet in-sync solar system</strong></p>

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<p>Making an ice-map of a protoplanetary disc using a telescope from Earth is very tough due to obstruction created by our water-molecule-loaded atmosphere. But from space, and with the help of a super-powerful telescope like JWST, what's impossibile soon ceases to remain impossible.</p>

<p>The team of researchers led by Ardjan Sturm, a scientist from Leiden University in the Netherlands, pointed JWST at a young star designated as HH 48 NE. It is 600 light-years away from us.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-strange-star-near-milky-way-black-hole-may-have-extra-galactic-origin-study-667207">A strange star near Milky Way's black hole may have extra-galactic origin: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>As the star passed through the protoplanetary disc, its light was filtered through the dust, ice and other material containing a variety of elements. Now each element absorbs and emits light in specific way, giving rise to somewhat of a 'signature' of that element. And by observing the spectrum, a picture can be 'painted' about what elements might be present in whatever the light is passing through.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-rare-elusive-red-sprite-snapped-astronaut-captures-unique-view-from-iss-667142">Rare, elusive 'red sprite' snapped: Astronaut captures unique view from ISS</a></strong></p>

<p>"The direct mapping of ice in a planet-forming disk provides important input for modeling studies that help to better understand the formation of our Earth, other planets in our Solar System and around other stars. With those observations, we can now begin to make firmer statements about the physics and chemistry of star and planet formation," said Ardjan Sturm, the lead author of the study as quoted on the website of Leiden University.</p>

<p>The image prepared by analysing the spetra resembles a hamburger complete with brown buns, green lettuce and more.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


When our solar system formed, the Sun was the first to form out of clumps of gaseous clouds that came together, collapsed under their own gravity and eventually kickstarted nuclear fusion as more and more material 'fell' into the still-forming Sun.

When our solar system formed, the Sun was the first to form out of clumps of gaseous clouds that came together, collapsed under their own gravity and eventually kickstarted nuclear fusion as more and more material 'fell' into the still-forming Sun. After the Sun was formed, the remaining material was still revolving around it. This 'protoplanetary' disc eventually gave rise to planets. Researchers have used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to click a space 'hamburger'. In a layman terms, this is the very first ice map of a protoplanetary disc around a young star. Why study protoplanetary discs? The protoplanetary disc around a young star can contain many elements. As reported in Space[dot]com, presence of ice in the protoplanetary disc helps matter clump together. This may in turn, help formation of planets or even comets around the star. Study of protoplanetary discs can reveal a lot about formation of our solar system and models of planet formation. Watch | NASA satellites discover a 6-planet in-sync solar system × Making an ice-map of a protoplanetary disc using a telescope from Earth is very tough due to obstruction created by our water-molecule-loaded atmosphere. But from space, and with the help of a super-powerful telescope like JWST, what's impossibile soon ceases to remain impossible. The team of researchers led by Ardjan Sturm, a scientist from Leiden University in the Netherlands, pointed JWST at a young star designated as HH 48 NE. It is 600 light-years away from us. Also Read | A strange star near Milky Way's black hole may have extra-galactic origin: Study As the star passed through the protoplanetary disc, its light was filtered through the dust, ice and other material containing a variety of elements. Now each element absorbs and emits light in specific way, giving rise to somewhat of a 'signature' of that element. And by observing the spectrum, a picture can be 'painted' about what elements might be present in whatever the light is passing through. Watch | Rare, elusive 'red sprite' snapped: Astronaut captures unique view from ISS "The direct mapping of ice in a planet-forming disk provides important input for modeling studies that help to better understand the formation of our Earth, other planets in our Solar System and around other stars. With those observations, we can now begin to make firmer statements about the physics and chemistry of star and planet formation," said Ardjan Sturm, the lead author of the study as quoted on the website of Leiden University. The image prepared by analysing the spetra resembles a hamburger complete with brown buns, green lettuce and more. (With inputs from agencies)

'Cosmic burger': NASA's James Webb telescope clicks 'hamburger' in space

<p>NASA launched its Psyche mission on October 13 this year. After nearly two months of journeying through space with 'closed eyes', Psyche has finally seen the 'first light'. The cameras onboard Psyche were off all this while. But on Monday (Dec 4), the cameras were turned on and the spacecraft sent the first image back to Earth.</p>

<p>Psyche is already 16 million miles away from Earth and is travelling to its namesake asteroid which is sitting pretty between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. The spacecraft will arrive at the asteroid in 2029.</p>

<p>"The team wanted to test all of the science instruments early in the long journey to make sure they are working as intended, and to ensure there would be plenty of time to calibrate and adjust them as needed," said NASA.</p>

<p>According to the information released by NASA, the Psyche spacecraft captured the images using a pair of identical cameras. In all, 68 images were captured. All of these clicked starfield in the constellation Pisces.</p>

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<p>(Image: NASA) The starfield annotated with names of individual stars. This is the image sent back by Psyche.</p>

<p>"The imager team is using the data to verify proper commanding, telemetry analysis, and calibration of the images," said NASA.</p>

<p>“These initial images are only a curtain-opener,” said Arizona State University’s Jim Bell, the Psyche imager instrument lead. Bell was quoted by NASA.</p>

<p>“For the team that designed and operates this sophisticated instrument, first light is a thrill. We start checking out the cameras with star images like these, then in 2026, we’ll take test images of Mars during the spacecraft’s flyby. And finally, in 2029 we’ll get our most exciting images yet – of our target asteroid Psyche. We look forward to sharing all of these visuals with the public.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/monstrous-dark-hole-in-sun-releasing-superfast-solar-wind-towards-earth-scientists-warn-666834">Monstrous dark hole in Sun releasing superfast solar wind towards Earth. Scientists warn...</a></strong></p>

<p>There are multiple colour filters through which the imager captured the images. All of these filters were tested in this initial observation.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/moon-getting-hydrogen-from-solar-winds-reveals-study-of-apollo-samples-665840">Moon getting hydrogen from solar winds, reveals study of Apollo samples</a></strong></p>

<p>"With the filters, the team will use photographs in wavelengths of light both visible and invisible to the human eye to help determine the composition of the metal-rich asteroid Psyche. The imager team will also use the data to create 3D maps of the asteroid to better understand its geology, which will give clues about Psyche’s history," said NASA.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA launched its Psyche mission on October 13 this year. After nearly two months of journeying through space with 'closed eyes', Psyche has finally seen the 'first light'.

NASA launched its Psyche mission on October 13 this year. After nearly two months of journeying through space with 'closed eyes', Psyche has finally seen the 'first light'. The cameras onboard Psyche were off all this while. But on Monday (Dec 4), the cameras were turned on and the spacecraft sent the first image back to Earth. Psyche is already 16 million miles away from Earth and is travelling to its namesake asteroid which is sitting pretty between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. The spacecraft will arrive at the asteroid in 2029. "The team wanted to test all of the science instruments early in the long journey to make sure they are working as intended, and to ensure there would be plenty of time to calibrate and adjust them as needed," said NASA. According to the information released by NASA, the Psyche spacecraft captured the images using a pair of identical cameras. In all, 68 images were captured. All of these clicked starfield in the constellation Pisces. (Image: NASA) The starfield annotated with names of individual stars. This is the image sent back by Psyche. "The imager team is using the data to verify proper commanding, telemetry analysis, and calibration of the images," said NASA. “These initial images are only a curtain-opener,” said Arizona State University’s Jim Bell, the Psyche imager instrument lead. Bell was quoted by NASA. “For the team that designed and operates this sophisticated instrument, first light is a thrill. We start checking out the cameras with star images like these, then in 2026, we’ll take test images of Mars during the spacecraft’s flyby. And finally, in 2029 we’ll get our most exciting images yet – of our target asteroid Psyche. We look forward to sharing all of these visuals with the public.” Also Read | Monstrous dark hole in Sun releasing superfast solar wind towards Earth. Scientists warn... There are multiple colour filters through which the imager captured the images. All of these filters were tested in this initial observation. Also Read | Moon getting hydrogen from solar winds, reveals study of Apollo samples "With the filters, the team will use photographs in wavelengths of light both visible and invisible to the human eye to help determine the composition of the metal-rich asteroid Psyche. The imager team will also use the data to create 3D maps of the asteroid to better understand its geology, which will give clues about Psyche’s history," said NASA. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Psyche spacecraft sends first images and data

The researchers at NASA, while sidestepping the ban imposed by the United States, have been allowed to study the moon samples collected by China, in a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the space agencies of the two countries. The laws by the US have till now kept NASA and its counterpart the China National Space Administration (CNSA) at a distance, but now they have been allowed to work together, the South China Morning Post reported.

NASA sidesteps ban by US, appeals researchers to gather moon samples from China

<p>The researchers at NASA, while sidestepping the ban imposed by the United States, have been allowed to study the moon samples collected by China, in a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the space agencies of the two countries.<br />
<br />
The laws by the US have till now kept NASA and its counterpart the China National Space Administration (CNSA) at a distance, but now they have been allowed to work together, the South China Morning Post reported.<br />
<br />
The US space agency, in an email, said that it had “certified its intent to Congress” to allow the researchers funded by NASA to apply to the CNSA for gaining access to the lunar samples, which have been collected by Chang’e 5 mission of China in 2020.<br />
<br />
Normally, as per the Wolf Amendment which was passed in 2011 by the US Congress and given name after then-Republican senator Frank Wolf, the applications will be illegal as it places a ban on NASA from cooperating with China unless they have been authorised by lawmakers.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-odyssey-orbiter-acts-as-space-station-to-mars-to-capture-its-atmosphere-from-top-664467">NASA's Odyssey orbiter acts as Space Station to Mars to capture its atmosphere from top</a></p>

<p>As per the email from NASA, the application for access to moon samples was important because of the “unique value” of the Chinese samples, which were “made available recently to the international scientific community for research purposes”.</p>

<h2><strong>NASA gives green light to applications in exceptional case</strong></h2>

<p>The email clearly stated that the applications were given a green light in an exceptional case. “This allowance applies specifically to Chang’e 5 mission samples; the normal prohibition on bilateral activity with PRC on Nasa-funded projects remains in place,” it said, making reference to the People’s Republic of China.<br />
<br />
According to the email, the samples come from a lunar region “not yet sampled by NASA” and are expected to provide insights into the geological history of the moon, and the Earth-moon system, and potentially help Nasa make future lunar exploration plans.<br />
<br />
“Applying for samples will ensure that United States researchers have the same research opportunities as scientists around the world,” said the agency.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;NASA satellites discover a 6-planet in-sync solar system</strong></p>

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<p>Planetary geoscientist at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island James Head said that internationally there has been “great enthusiasm” for studying the samples. He added that “many colleagues will be applying”, now that access has been allowed by NASA. “It should be a very large set of applications,” he said.<br />
<br />
He added that although multiple fundamental questions have been addressed by the scientists after analysing a few samples, the participation of foreign scientists can “bring even more interest and different perspectives to tackle these critical problems”.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The researchers at NASA, while sidestepping the ban imposed by the United States, have been allowed to study the moon samples collected by China, in a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the space agencies of the two countries.

The researchers at NASA, while sidestepping the ban imposed by the United States, have been allowed to study the moon samples collected by China, in a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the space agencies of the two countries. The laws by the US have till now kept NASA and its counterpart the China National Space Administration (CNSA) at a distance, but now they have been allowed to work together, the South China Morning Post reported. The US space agency, in an email, said that it had “certified its intent to Congress” to allow the researchers funded by NASA to apply to the CNSA for gaining access to the lunar samples, which have been collected by Chang’e 5 mission of China in 2020. Normally, as per the Wolf Amendment which was passed in 2011 by the US Congress and given name after then-Republican senator Frank Wolf, the applications will be illegal as it places a ban on NASA from cooperating with China unless they have been authorised by lawmakers. Also read: NASA's Odyssey orbiter acts as Space Station to Mars to capture its atmosphere from top As per the email from NASA, the application for access to moon samples was important because of the “unique value” of the Chinese samples, which were “made available recently to the international scientific community for research purposes”. NASA gives green light to applications in exceptional case The email clearly stated that the applications were given a green light in an exceptional case. “This allowance applies specifically to Chang’e 5 mission samples; the normal prohibition on bilateral activity with PRC on Nasa-funded projects remains in place,” it said, making reference to the People’s Republic of China. According to the email, the samples come from a lunar region “not yet sampled by NASA” and are expected to provide insights into the geological history of the moon, and the Earth-moon system, and potentially help Nasa make future lunar exploration plans. “Applying for samples will ensure that United States researchers have the same research opportunities as scientists around the world,” said the agency. Watch: NASA satellites discover a 6-planet in-sync solar system Planetary geoscientist at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island James Head said that internationally there has been “great enthusiasm” for studying the samples. He added that “many colleagues will be applying”, now that access has been allowed by NASA. “It should be a very large set of applications,” he said. He added that although multiple fundamental questions have been addressed by the scientists after analysing a few samples, the participation of foreign scientists can “bring even more interest and different perspectives to tackle these critical problems”. (With inputs from agencies)

Humans from time immemorial have been looking for clues in the universe. Our search for life beyond earth has expanded in recent times. Our planetary system is the only one officially called “solar system,” but astronomers have discovered more than 3,200 other stars with planets orbiting them. But now researchers think that they have found the perfect solar system. Watch this story to know more.

Why are scientists calling it a perfect world?

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidxD25W6DPk45E" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>About a month ago, NASA's Lucy mission flew past an asteroid named Dinkinesh and discovered that it has a tiny moon. But it wasn't any ordinary moon. It was a contact binary moon, where two space rocks gently rested against each other.</p>

<p>This unique moon needed a name. So, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) approved "Selam," meaning peace in Ethiopia's language.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Selam is not a random name. While Dinkinesh is the Ethiopian name for the Lucy fossil, Selam comes from another fossil of the same species of human ancestor.</p>

<p>NASA named the Lucy mission after the hominid skeleton fossil Lucy, discovered in Ethiopia in 1974 and estimated to be 3.18 million years old. The mission's objective is to revolutionise our knowledge of planetary origins and the formation of the Solar System.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Selam was the name of the fossil of a three-year-old girl, discovered in 2000 in Dikika, Ethiopia and belonged to the same species as Lucy. Although the fossil is often called Lucy's baby, it lived more than 100,000 years before Lucy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-detect-exoplanet-orbiting-star-nine-times-smaller-than-sun-664941">Researchers detect exoplanet orbiting star nine times smaller than Sun</a></p>

<p>The surprisingly high-resolution images by the Lucy mission showed boulder-strewn surfaces on Dinkinesh and Selam. If looked at closely, the 790-metre&nbsp;wide asteroid, Dinkinesh, looks similar to Bennu, visited by OSIRIS-REx.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the team at NASA completed downlinking the data from Lucy's first asteroid encounter and continues to process it, they're expecting more images to come from the flyby.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA has added Lucy's encounter with Dinkinesh as an in-flight test of the spacecraft's systems and instruments. A recent blog post by Katherine Kretke of the Southwest Research Insitute said all systems worked fine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kretke wrote, "The tools and techniques refined with data from this encounter will help the team prepare for the mission's main targets, the never-before-explored Jupiter Trojan asteroids." She added, "In addition to the images taken by Lucy's high-resolution L'LORRI camera and its Terminal Tracking Cameras (T2Cam), Lucy's other science instruments also collected data that will help scientists understand these puzzling asteroids."</p>

<p>Lucy plans to visit nine more asteroids in six separate encounters in the next decade. After receiving a boost from Earth's gravity in December 2024, the spacecraft will head towards the main asteroid belt. In April 2025, it will encounter an asteroid named Donaldjohanson. The spacecraft will continue to pass through the main belt and finally reach its primary targets, the Jupiter Trojan asteroids, in 2027.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


About a month ago, NASA's Lucy mission flew past an asteroid named Dinkinesh and discovered that it has a tiny moon. But it wasn't any ordinary moon. It was a contact binary moon, where two space rocks gently rested against each other.

About a month ago, NASA's Lucy mission flew past an asteroid named Dinkinesh and discovered that it has a tiny moon. But it wasn't any ordinary moon. It was a contact binary moon, where two space rocks gently rested against each other. This unique moon needed a name. So, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) approved "Selam," meaning peace in Ethiopia's language. However, Selam is not a random name. While Dinkinesh is the Ethiopian name for the Lucy fossil, Selam comes from another fossil of the same species of human ancestor. NASA named the Lucy mission after the hominid skeleton fossil Lucy, discovered in Ethiopia in 1974 and estimated to be 3.18 million years old. The mission's objective is to revolutionise our knowledge of planetary origins and the formation of the Solar System. Selam was the name of the fossil of a three-year-old girl, discovered in 2000 in Dikika, Ethiopia and belonged to the same species as Lucy. Although the fossil is often called Lucy's baby, it lived more than 100,000 years before Lucy. ALSO READ | Researchers detect exoplanet orbiting star nine times smaller than Sun The surprisingly high-resolution images by the Lucy mission showed boulder-strewn surfaces on Dinkinesh and Selam. If looked at closely, the 790-metre wide asteroid, Dinkinesh, looks similar to Bennu, visited by OSIRIS-REx. As the team at NASA completed downlinking the data from Lucy's first asteroid encounter and continues to process it, they're expecting more images to come from the flyby. NASA has added Lucy's encounter with Dinkinesh as an in-flight test of the spacecraft's systems and instruments. A recent blog post by Katherine Kretke of the Southwest Research Insitute said all systems worked fine. Kretke wrote, "The tools and techniques refined with data from this encounter will help the team prepare for the mission's main targets, the never-before-explored Jupiter Trojan asteroids." She added, "In addition to the images taken by Lucy's high-resolution L'LORRI camera and its Terminal Tracking Cameras (T2Cam), Lucy's other science instruments also collected data that will help scientists understand these puzzling asteroids." Lucy plans to visit nine more asteroids in six separate encounters in the next decade. After receiving a boost from Earth's gravity in December 2024, the spacecraft will head towards the main asteroid belt. In April 2025, it will encounter an asteroid named Donaldjohanson. The spacecraft will continue to pass through the main belt and finally reach its primary targets, the Jupiter Trojan asteroids, in 2027. (With inputs from agencies)

Asteroid Dinky's double moon, discovered by Lucy mission, has officially been named

NASA astronomers have found their own it is a rare in-sync solar system with six planets moving like a grand Cosmic Orchestra untouched by outside forces since the birth billions of years ago. Watch this report to know more about this new world and where it is located.

NASA satellites discover a 6-planet in-sync solar system

<p>NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter, in its 22nd year on the Red Planet, recently captured spectacular clouds and dust on Martian skies, along with one of its two moons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The view is akin to the one you see when one sees the curvature of the Earth below the International Space Station.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The stunning view of Mars will help scientists all over the world gain new insights into the Martian atmosphere. It shows the Martian surface below the layers of cloud and dust.</p>

<h2><strong>Mars from top: From where the images were captured?</strong></h2>

<p>The spacecraft took images in May from an altitude of about 250 miles (400 km). Notably, this is the same altitude at which the International Space Station flies above Earth.<img alt="NASA JPL image" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3f6ba56-0dfa-47f4-a7c6-309de4c420e2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-30T061627.145.png" /></p>

<p data-block-key="t16y4"><em>This unusual view of the horizon of Mars was captured by NASA’s Odyssey orbiter using its THEMIS camera | Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU</em></p>

<p>"If there were astronauts in orbit over Mars, this is the perspective they would have," said Jonathon Hill of Arizona State University, according to an official NASA readout. Hill is the operations lead for Odyssey’s camera, called the Thermal Emission Imaging System, or THEMIS. "No Mars spacecraft has ever had this kind of view before."</p>

<h2><strong>Why is this Martian view unique?</strong></h2>

<p>This is because the mission had to capture a more expansive view of the atmosphere. The capture of the Martian landscape was aimed to help scientists improve upon the existing models of the Martian atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-can-now-produce-oxygen-on-mars-all-thanks-to-an-ai-powered-robot-chemist-658247">Scientists can now produce oxygen on Mars, all thanks to an AI-powered robot chemist</a></strong></p>

<p>"I think of it as viewing a cross-section, a slice through the atmosphere,” said Jeffrey Plaut, Odyssey’s project scientist at JPL. "There’s a lot of detail you can’t see from above, which is how THEMIS normally makes these measurements."</p>

<p>Besides, the THEMIS cannot make angular movements. Therefore, to adjust the angle of the camera, the whole spacecraft had to be readjusted. Here, the team rotated the orbiter about 90 degrees while ensuring that Sunlight fell on the spacecraft's solar panels.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Scientists surprised by source of largest quake detected on Mars</strong></p>

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<p>The Odyssey mission hopes to take similar images in the future, capturing the Martian atmosphere across multiple seasons.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter, in its 22nd year on the Red Planet, recently captured spectacular clouds and dust on Martian skies, along with one of its two moons.

NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter, in its 22nd year on the Red Planet, recently captured spectacular clouds and dust on Martian skies, along with one of its two moons. The view is akin to the one you see when one sees the curvature of the Earth below the International Space Station. What does it mean? The stunning view of Mars will help scientists all over the world gain new insights into the Martian atmosphere. It shows the Martian surface below the layers of cloud and dust. Mars from top: From where the images were captured? The spacecraft took images in May from an altitude of about 250 miles (400 km). Notably, this is the same altitude at which the International Space Station flies above Earth. This unusual view of the horizon of Mars was captured by NASA’s Odyssey orbiter using its THEMIS camera | Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU "If there were astronauts in orbit over Mars, this is the perspective they would have," said Jonathon Hill of Arizona State University, according to an official NASA readout. Hill is the operations lead for Odyssey’s camera, called the Thermal Emission Imaging System, or THEMIS. "No Mars spacecraft has ever had this kind of view before." Why is this Martian view unique? This is because the mission had to capture a more expansive view of the atmosphere. The capture of the Martian landscape was aimed to help scientists improve upon the existing models of the Martian atmosphere. Also read | Scientists can now produce oxygen on Mars, all thanks to an AI-powered robot chemist "I think of it as viewing a cross-section, a slice through the atmosphere,” said Jeffrey Plaut, Odyssey’s project scientist at JPL. "There’s a lot of detail you can’t see from above, which is how THEMIS normally makes these measurements." Besides, the THEMIS cannot make angular movements. Therefore, to adjust the angle of the camera, the whole spacecraft had to be readjusted. Here, the team rotated the orbiter about 90 degrees while ensuring that Sunlight fell on the spacecraft's solar panels. Also watch | Scientists surprised by source of largest quake detected on Mars × The Odyssey mission hopes to take similar images in the future, capturing the Martian atmosphere across multiple seasons. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Odyssey orbiter acts as Space Station to Mars to capture its atmosphere from top

<p>National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Bill Nelson on Wednesday (Nov&nbsp;29) met Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian astronaut to fly to space. Nelson also met students at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).</p>

<p>The NASA chief said that Rakesh Sharma's story lit up the room.</p>

<p>“It was a great honor to speak with students in Bengaluru today with Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to fly to space. His story lit up the room! To the Artemis Generation in India and beyond: Work hard, dream big, and reach for the stars. The universe is the limit!” Nelson posted on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It was a great honor to speak with students in Bengaluru today with Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to fly to space. His story lit up the room! To the Artemis Generation in India and beyond: Work hard, dream big, and reach for the stars. The universe is the limit! <a href="https://t.co/mnPUJDfr8P">pic.twitter.com/mnPUJDfr8P</a></p>
— Bill Nelson (@SenBillNelson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenBillNelson/status/1729926970236965211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>On April 2, 1984, Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian citizen to reach outer space. He was aboard Soviet Soyuz T-11 rocket which was launched from Baiknour Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan which was then part of Soviet Russia.</p>

<p>Sharma was in space for seven days, 21 hours and 40 minutes. With his space travel, India became the 14th nation to have its astronaut sent to space.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-ready-to-work-with-isro-to-build-space-station-says-nasa-chief-664065">NASA chief says ready to work with ISRO to build Indian space station</a></strong></p>

<p>While in space, Sharma conducted scientific experiments and studies. The work included remote sensing and bio-medicine. The crew held a conference with officials while in space.</p>

<p>After his space journey, Sharma said that sunrise and sunset were the most beautiful moments to witness from space.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-odyssey-orbiter-acts-as-space-station-to-mars-to-capture-its-atmosphere-from-top-664467">NASA's Odyssey orbiter acts as Space Station to Mars to capture its atmosphere from top</a></strong></p>

<p>NASA chief Bill Nelson arrived in India on Tuesday. Right from the start, he had expressed enthusiasm for meeting people in the country and experts from ISRO. He even said that NASA was ready to help India build its own space station.</p>

<p>He called India a 'leader' in space research. After India, Nelson will go to UAE. He is looking to deepen bilateral cooperation with both countries.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Bill Nelson on Wednesday (Nov 29) met Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian astronaut to fly to space.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Bill Nelson on Wednesday (Nov 29) met Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian astronaut to fly to space. Nelson also met students at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The NASA chief said that Rakesh Sharma's story lit up the room. “It was a great honor to speak with students in Bengaluru today with Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to fly to space. His story lit up the room! To the Artemis Generation in India and beyond: Work hard, dream big, and reach for the stars. The universe is the limit!” Nelson posted on X. It was a great honor to speak with students in Bengaluru today with Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to fly to space. His story lit up the room! To the Artemis Generation in India and beyond: Work hard, dream big, and reach for the stars. The universe is the limit! pic.twitter.com/mnPUJDfr8P — Bill Nelson (@SenBillNelson) November 29, 2023 × On April 2, 1984, Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian citizen to reach outer space. He was aboard Soviet Soyuz T-11 rocket which was launched from Baiknour Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan which was then part of Soviet Russia. Sharma was in space for seven days, 21 hours and 40 minutes. With his space travel, India became the 14th nation to have its astronaut sent to space. Also Read | NASA chief says ready to work with ISRO to build Indian space station While in space, Sharma conducted scientific experiments and studies. The work included remote sensing and bio-medicine. The crew held a conference with officials while in space. After his space journey, Sharma said that sunrise and sunset were the most beautiful moments to witness from space. Also Read | NASA's Odyssey orbiter acts as Space Station to Mars to capture its atmosphere from top NASA chief Bill Nelson arrived in India on Tuesday. Right from the start, he had expressed enthusiasm for meeting people in the country and experts from ISRO. He even said that NASA was ready to help India build its own space station. He called India a 'leader' in space research. After India, Nelson will go to UAE. He is looking to deepen bilateral cooperation with both countries.

NASA chief meets Rakesh Sharma, India's first astronaut

<p>National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Bill Nelson said on Tuesday (November 28) that the United States was open to&nbsp;collaboration with India in building its own space station. He is in India. Nelson said that the US and India were planning to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) by the end of next year.</p>

<p>“The selection of astronaut is determined by ISRO. NASA will not make the selection,” said Nelson as quoted by Press Trust of India.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | ISRO to launch NISAR in 2024</strong></p>

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<p>His comment on a possible Indian space station came in response to a question. He said the US was ready to collaborate in building the space station if India desires.</p>

<p>“We expect by that time to have a commercial space station. I think India wants to have a commercial space station by 2040. If India wants us to collaborate with them, of course, we will be available. But that’s up to India,” Nelson said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/evil-eye-in-the-sky-clicked-by-nasa-wows-netizens-663392">'Evil eye' in the sky clicked by NASA wows netizens</a></strong></p>

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to work towards building an Indian space station by the year 2035 and landing an Indian astronaut on the moon by the year 2040.</p>

<h2><strong>NASA chief meets Indian minister</strong></h2>

<p>On Tuesday, Nelson headed a delegation and met India's Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh</p>

<p>“I had a discussion with the minister on what the Indian astronaut would do on the space station. And the two of us talked about the fact that things that are important to India in scientific research, the Indian astronaut ought to have that as a choice to do. If there is a particular part of research that he or she would be interested in, then I want to encourage that,” Nelson later said at a media interaction.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-shares-image-of-hidden-galaxy-which-is-11-million-light-years-away-from-earth-664045">NASA shares image of 'Hidden galaxy' which is 11 million light-years away from Earth</a></strong></p>

<p>On Tuesday, Nelson also spoke about the NASA-ISRO&nbsp;Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) observatory which is slated to be launched in the first quarter of 2024.</p>

<p>“In the first quarter of 2024, in a joint venture, India will launch a very expensive spacecraft, NISAR, and it is part of what we call our great observatories. And the combination of these four or five observatories that will be put up, and all our 25 spacecraft looking at the Earth...the combination of all that information...is helping us precisely determine what is happening to the Earth and its climate,” Nelson said as quoted by Hindustan Times.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Bill Nelson said on Tuesday (November 28) that the United States was open to collaboration with India in building its own space station.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Bill Nelson said on Tuesday (November 28) that the United States was open to collaboration with India in building its own space station. He is in India. Nelson said that the US and India were planning to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) by the end of next year. “The selection of astronaut is determined by ISRO. NASA will not make the selection,” said Nelson as quoted by Press Trust of India. Watch | ISRO to launch NISAR in 2024 × His comment on a possible Indian space station came in response to a question. He said the US was ready to collaborate in building the space station if India desires. “We expect by that time to have a commercial space station. I think India wants to have a commercial space station by 2040. If India wants us to collaborate with them, of course, we will be available. But that’s up to India,” Nelson said. Also Read | 'Evil eye' in the sky clicked by NASA wows netizens India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to work towards building an Indian space station by the year 2035 and landing an Indian astronaut on the moon by the year 2040. NASA chief meets Indian minister On Tuesday, Nelson headed a delegation and met India's Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh “I had a discussion with the minister on what the Indian astronaut would do on the space station. And the two of us talked about the fact that things that are important to India in scientific research, the Indian astronaut ought to have that as a choice to do. If there is a particular part of research that he or she would be interested in, then I want to encourage that,” Nelson later said at a media interaction. Also Read | NASA shares image of 'Hidden galaxy' which is 11 million light-years away from Earth On Tuesday, Nelson also spoke about the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) observatory which is slated to be launched in the first quarter of 2024. “In the first quarter of 2024, in a joint venture, India will launch a very expensive spacecraft, NISAR, and it is part of what we call our great observatories. And the combination of these four or five observatories that will be put up, and all our 25 spacecraft looking at the Earth...the combination of all that information...is helping us precisely determine what is happening to the Earth and its climate,” Nelson said as quoted by Hindustan Times. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA chief says ready to work with ISRO to build Indian space station

<p>NASA on its social media shared another marvel of space, the 'Hidden galaxy', also known as the spiral galaxy.<br />
<br />
The galaxy, which is located nearly 11 million light-years away from Earth, was captured using the Hubble telescope. The European Space Agency's Euclid mission captured the stunning image of the galaxy.<br />
<br />
"The spiral galaxy above also known as the "Hidden Galaxy," is the first of five images released from the Euclid mission," wrote NASA, in the caption on the social media platform Instagram.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-warns-of-solar-storm-hitting-earth-today-amid-increased-activity-fiery-eruptions-on-sun-662975">NASA warns of solar storm hitting Earth amid increased activity, fiery eruptions on Sun</a></p>

<p>The space agency further added that the galaxy is located around 11 million light-years away from Earth and it is located behind a crowd of dust in the Milky Way.<br />
<br />
Located about 11 million light-years from Earth, it lies behind a crowd of dust in the Milky Way. Euclid is able to peek through the dust to study it by using a near-infrared instrument. "Euclid’s first images mark the beginning of a new era of studying dark matter and dark energy,” said Mike Seiffert, Euclid project scientist at @NASAJPL. "NASA teams will join Euclid scientists to study the dark energy, dark matter and galaxy evolution found in space,” the caption read.</p>

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<p>“The @EuropeanSpaceAgency’s Euclid mission launched on July 1, 2023, with NASA contributions. The space telescope is performing as expected after travelling nearly 1 million miles to its vantage point,” it added.</p>

<h2><strong>Spiral galaxy shares similarity with Milky Way</strong></h2>

<p>Typically, a spiral galaxy has a rotating disc with spiral 'arms' which curve out from a dense central region. The Milky Way is also considered a spiral galaxy.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller, says report </strong></p>

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<p>Describing the galaxy's image in the caption, NASA wrote, “A big spiral galaxy is visible face-on in white/pink colours at the centre of this square astronomical image. The galaxy covers almost the entire image and appears whiter at its center where more stars are located. Its spiral arms stretch out across the image and appear fainter at the edges. The entire image is speckled with stars ranging in colour from blue to white to yellow and red, across a black background of space. Blue stars are younger and red stars are older. A few of the stars are a bit larger than the rest, with six diffraction spikes.”<br />
<br />
Just after 5 hours ⁣⁣of getting posted, the image garnered more than 2 lakh likes on Instagram. The image shared by NASA appeared to have left the space-lovers absolutely mesmerised.<br />
<br />
A user wrote, "That would make an out-of-this-world holiday ornament! We're sure people would make space on their tree for one."<br />
<br />
Another user said, "This telescope will produce great science!”</p>

<p>“Wow, this is what everyone needed to see before going to bed! Such dreams to everyone," wrote a third user.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


NASA on its social media shared another marvel of space, the 'Hidden galaxy', also known as the spiral galaxy. The galaxy, which is located nearly 11 million light-years away from Earth, was captured using the Hubble telescope.

NASA on its social media shared another marvel of space, the 'Hidden galaxy', also known as the spiral galaxy. The galaxy, which is located nearly 11 million light-years away from Earth, was captured using the Hubble telescope. The European Space Agency's Euclid mission captured the stunning image of the galaxy. "The spiral galaxy above also known as the "Hidden Galaxy," is the first of five images released from the Euclid mission," wrote NASA, in the caption on the social media platform Instagram. Also read: NASA warns of solar storm hitting Earth amid increased activity, fiery eruptions on Sun The space agency further added that the galaxy is located around 11 million light-years away from Earth and it is located behind a crowd of dust in the Milky Way. Located about 11 million light-years from Earth, it lies behind a crowd of dust in the Milky Way. Euclid is able to peek through the dust to study it by using a near-infrared instrument. "Euclid’s first images mark the beginning of a new era of studying dark matter and dark energy,” said Mike Seiffert, Euclid project scientist at @NASAJPL. "NASA teams will join Euclid scientists to study the dark energy, dark matter and galaxy evolution found in space,” the caption read. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × “The @EuropeanSpaceAgency’s Euclid mission launched on July 1, 2023, with NASA contributions. The space telescope is performing as expected after travelling nearly 1 million miles to its vantage point,” it added. Spiral galaxy shares similarity with Milky Way Typically, a spiral galaxy has a rotating disc with spiral 'arms' which curve out from a dense central region. The Milky Way is also considered a spiral galaxy. Watch: New evidence suggests size of the Sun could be smaller, says report Describing the galaxy's image in the caption, NASA wrote, “A big spiral galaxy is visible face-on in white/pink colours at the centre of this square astronomical image. The galaxy covers almost the entire image and appears whiter at its center where more stars are located. Its spiral arms stretch out across the image and appear fainter at the edges. The entire image is speckled with stars ranging in colour from blue to white to yellow and red, across a black background of space. Blue stars are younger and red stars are older. A few of the stars are a bit larger than the rest, with six diffraction spikes.” Just after 5 hours ⁣⁣of getting posted, the image garnered more than 2 lakh likes on Instagram. The image shared by NASA appeared to have left the space-lovers absolutely mesmerised. A user wrote, "That would make an out-of-this-world holiday ornament! We're sure people would make space on their tree for one." Another user said, "This telescope will produce great science!” “Wow, this is what everyone needed to see before going to bed! Such dreams to everyone," wrote a third user. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA shares image of 'Hidden galaxy' which is 11 million light-years away from Earth

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<p>Researchers in the United Kingdom are preparing to unveil the secrets of a sample of rock retrieved from the asteroid Bennu after its dust arrived at the Natural History Museum in London. Notably, the asteroid has a 1-in-1,750 chance of colliding with Earth in the next 300 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A capsule returned in late September with material collected by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft from the near-Earth asteroid, whose 100mg sample is given to the researchers at the museum. The sample will be subjected to several tests at the museum and the Open, Manchester and Oxford universities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the extraordinary challenge, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) spacecraft touched down on Bennu and collected more than 60g of untouched material, which is the largest amount — more than what was brought back during the Apollo programme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by The Guardian, Dr Ashley King, a planetary scientist who will work on the grains at the museum, said: "It's amazing. It's like a little treasure trove that takes us back to the start of the solar system. I can't wait to get my hands on them and see what we can learn about the early solar system."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/milestone-for-isros-astrosat-as-it-detects-600th-gamma-ray-burst-663812">Milestone for ISRO's AstroSat as it detects 600th gamma-ray burst</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Asteroid Bennu contains water: NASA</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>NASA last month confirmed that the sample from the asteroid Bennu contains water and carbon molecules, both are building blocks for life. This finding has offered more evidence for the theory that life on Earth was seeded from outer space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, NASA administrator Bill Nelson said at a press event at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, that this is the biggest "carbon-rich asteroid sample ever returned to Earth". &nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that carbon accounted for almost five per cent of the sample's total weight, and was present in both organic and mineral form. He further said that the water was locked inside the crystal structure of clay minerals.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-is-what-happens-to-astronauts-fingernails-after-a-walk-in-space-and-it-is-terrifying-663760">This is what happens to astronauts' fingernails after a walk in space, and it's scary</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>At the London Museum, the researchers will be focussed on analysing hydrogen isotopes in the water bound up in Bennu in order to find if any of them matches that found in Earth's oceans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sample will also help scientists in future to understand asteroids and establish whether or not they are dangerous; and know how to destroy or deflect or destroy them if they pose a potential threat to Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>King said: "It doesn't sound like a lot of material, but it's plenty to work with. The museum is home to one of the world's leading meteorite collections, and the staff are well-used to handling small amounts of extremely precious materials from outer space."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Researchers in the United Kingdom are preparing to unveil the secrets of a sample of rock retrieved from the asteroid Bennu after its dust arrived at the Natural History Museum in London.

Researchers in the United Kingdom are preparing to unveil the secrets of a sample of rock retrieved from the asteroid Bennu after its dust arrived at the Natural History Museum in London. Notably, the asteroid has a 1-in-1,750 chance of colliding with Earth in the next 300 years. A capsule returned in late September with material collected by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft from the near-Earth asteroid, whose 100mg sample is given to the researchers at the museum. The sample will be subjected to several tests at the museum and the Open, Manchester and Oxford universities. During the extraordinary challenge, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) spacecraft touched down on Bennu and collected more than 60g of untouched material, which is the largest amount — more than what was brought back during the Apollo programme. As quoted by The Guardian, Dr Ashley King, a planetary scientist who will work on the grains at the museum, said: "It's amazing. It's like a little treasure trove that takes us back to the start of the solar system. I can't wait to get my hands on them and see what we can learn about the early solar system." Also read: Milestone for ISRO's AstroSat as it detects 600th gamma-ray burst Asteroid Bennu contains water: NASA NASA last month confirmed that the sample from the asteroid Bennu contains water and carbon molecules, both are building blocks for life. This finding has offered more evidence for the theory that life on Earth was seeded from outer space. Last month, NASA administrator Bill Nelson said at a press event at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, that this is the biggest "carbon-rich asteroid sample ever returned to Earth". He added that carbon accounted for almost five per cent of the sample's total weight, and was present in both organic and mineral form. He further said that the water was locked inside the crystal structure of clay minerals. Also read: This is what happens to astronauts' fingernails after a walk in space, and it's scary At the London Museum, the researchers will be focussed on analysing hydrogen isotopes in the water bound up in Bennu in order to find if any of them matches that found in Earth's oceans. The sample will also help scientists in future to understand asteroids and establish whether or not they are dangerous; and know how to destroy or deflect or destroy them if they pose a potential threat to Earth. King said: "It doesn't sound like a lot of material, but it's plenty to work with. The museum is home to one of the world's leading meteorite collections, and the staff are well-used to handling small amounts of extremely precious materials from outer space." (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists at London Museum to study dust from Bennu asteroid and unveil secrets

<p>Space can be an excellent refuge for an imaginative mind. Yes, the study is all scientific, but the endless expanse has ample margin for imagination and even ascribing meaning to celestial objects that resemble the forms in our perception. And the wide expanse is full of such things, as it has (again) been proven by a NASA click.</p>

<p>NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has clicked something that looks like an 'evil eye' staring at you from a distant corner of the cosmos. The stare is not quite human and has reptilian features, much like a dinosaur.</p>

<p>But nothing absurdly huge is looking angrily at us from space. What trusty ol' Hubble Telescope has clicked is a constellation. This constellation, named Coma Berenices, is indeed called an 'evil eye' as placement of stars along with sweeping clouds of dust give it a rather devilish look.</p>

<p>"...The gas in the inner and outer regions move in opposite directions, which may be due to a recent galactic merger...," says NASA in its post on Instagram.</p>

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<p>Now to the familiar part, like any other NASA image, the evil eye has captivated thousands online. At the time of publishing of this story, the Instagram post was liked by nearly 400,000 people.</p>

<p>NASA has also made '#LoTR' in an apparent reference to <em>Lord of the Rings</em> movies.</p>

<p>And people have caught on. In comments, one Instagram user has likened the 'evil eye' with 'The eye of Sauron' from the LOTR franchise.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-warns-of-solar-storm-hitting-earth-today-amid-increased-activity-fiery-eruptions-on-sun-662975">NASA warns of solar storm hitting Earth amid increased activity, fiery eruptions on Sun</a></strong></p>

<p>The user is not the only to make allusion to LOTR.</p>

<p>"Gondor calls for aid! And Rohan will answer!" quips another user in one more reference to the LOTR trilogy.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-discovers-methane-on-distant-exoplanet-here-is-what-it-means-662550">NASA discovers methane on distant exoplanet. Here is what it means...</a></strong></p>

<p>Not everyone is cracking jokes (after NASA's hint in the first place.)</p>

<p>Some Instagram users are mesmerised by the terrifying beauty of Coma Berenices which has even made them contemplative.</p>

<p>"The Universe is so damn big," says a user in the comments section.</p>

<p>"Wow, that's all I can think of at moment . What an amazing image," another user has said.</p>


Space can be an excellent refuge for an imaginative mind. Yes, the study is all scientific, but the endless expanse has ample margin for imagination and even ascribing meaning to celestial objects that resemble the forms in our perception.

Space can be an excellent refuge for an imaginative mind. Yes, the study is all scientific, but the endless expanse has ample margin for imagination and even ascribing meaning to celestial objects that resemble the forms in our perception. And the wide expanse is full of such things, as it has (again) been proven by a NASA click. NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has clicked something that looks like an 'evil eye' staring at you from a distant corner of the cosmos. The stare is not quite human and has reptilian features, much like a dinosaur. But nothing absurdly huge is looking angrily at us from space. What trusty ol' Hubble Telescope has clicked is a constellation. This constellation, named Coma Berenices, is indeed called an 'evil eye' as placement of stars along with sweeping clouds of dust give it a rather devilish look. "...The gas in the inner and outer regions move in opposite directions, which may be due to a recent galactic merger...," says NASA in its post on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × Now to the familiar part, like any other NASA image, the evil eye has captivated thousands online. At the time of publishing of this story, the Instagram post was liked by nearly 400,000 people. NASA has also made '#LoTR' in an apparent reference to Lord of the Rings movies. And people have caught on. In comments, one Instagram user has likened the 'evil eye' with 'The eye of Sauron' from the LOTR franchise. Also Read | NASA warns of solar storm hitting Earth amid increased activity, fiery eruptions on Sun The user is not the only to make allusion to LOTR. "Gondor calls for aid! And Rohan will answer!" quips another user in one more reference to the LOTR trilogy. Also Read | NASA discovers methane on distant exoplanet. Here is what it means... Not everyone is cracking jokes (after NASA's hint in the first place.) Some Instagram users are mesmerised by the terrifying beauty of Coma Berenices which has even made them contemplative. "The Universe is so damn big," says a user in the comments section. "Wow, that's all I can think of at moment . What an amazing image," another user has said.

'Evil eye' in the sky clicked by NASA wows netizens

<p>The Sun is experiencing a sudden surge in activity with a significant rise in the number of sunspots which are sending plumes of hot plasma out into space, the impact of which is expected to be felt by Earth in the form of geomagnetic storms triggered radio blackouts, reported Newsweek citing a NASA model.</p>

<h2><strong>What is happening to the Sun?</strong></h2>

<p>The Sun’s surface is covered with dark spots which are called sunspots where the magnetic field is very strong and in the last week or so, the number of these black pockmarks has increased tenfold and are said to be spewing out several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) every day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by Newsweek citing NASA model said that one of these CMEs – large expulsions of clouds of plasma from the Sun’s corona at high speeds – is expected to hit our magnetic field and atmosphere late on November 25. The Sun may also send out solar flares which are bright bursts of electromagnetic energy.</p>

<p>“Solar flares and CME are both caused by the sun through its magnetic field being twisted and stressed through motions in the sun,” Daniel Brown, an associate professor in astronomy and science communication at Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom, told Newsweek.</p>

<p>He added, “However, a solar flare is the immense release of light triggered by the snapping and rearranging of the magnetic fields on the sun. That will go hand in hand typically with the release of a CME. But it will take a day or more for the particles to arrive while the light and radiation reaches us in just over 8 minutes.”</p>

<p>A report by Spaceweather.com said that the rise in sunspots began on November 18 when AR3490, the first sunspot group, emerged on the Sun’s northeastern side. Subsequently, another sunspot group, AR3491 emerged and is said to have formed a trail behind it.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How will this affect the Earth?</strong></h2>

<p>Particles of CME hitting Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere trigger a geomagnetic storm during which auroras – which are a result of disturbances in the Earth’s magnetosphere caused by the solar wind – could enhance and also be visible in lower altitudes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“A geomagnetic storm occurs when the Earth’s magnetic field is seriously disrupted by eruptions from the sun,” Huw Morgan, head of the Solar Physics group at Aberystwyth University in the UK told Newsweek.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“When a large plasma storm erupts from the sun, and that storm carries a magnetic field which is oriented in an opposite direction to Earth's magnetic field, we have a ‘perfect storm,’ and a larger geomagnetic storm.”</p>

<p>But other than painting the sky with pretty lights, geomagnetic storms can also impact infrastructure like fluctuations and outages in the power grid and radio blackouts.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Sun is experiencing a sudden surge in activity with a significant rise in the number of sunspots which are sending plumes of hot plasma out into space, the impact of which is expected to be felt by Earth in the form of geomagnetic storms triggered radio blackouts, reported Newsweek citing a NASA model.

The Sun is experiencing a sudden surge in activity with a significant rise in the number of sunspots which are sending plumes of hot plasma out into space, the impact of which is expected to be felt by Earth in the form of geomagnetic storms triggered radio blackouts, reported Newsweek citing a NASA model. What is happening to the Sun? The Sun’s surface is covered with dark spots which are called sunspots where the magnetic field is very strong and in the last week or so, the number of these black pockmarks has increased tenfold and are said to be spewing out several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) every day. A report by Newsweek citing NASA model said that one of these CMEs – large expulsions of clouds of plasma from the Sun’s corona at high speeds – is expected to hit our magnetic field and atmosphere late on November 25. The Sun may also send out solar flares which are bright bursts of electromagnetic energy. “Solar flares and CME are both caused by the sun through its magnetic field being twisted and stressed through motions in the sun,” Daniel Brown, an associate professor in astronomy and science communication at Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom, told Newsweek. He added, “However, a solar flare is the immense release of light triggered by the snapping and rearranging of the magnetic fields on the sun. That will go hand in hand typically with the release of a CME. But it will take a day or more for the particles to arrive while the light and radiation reaches us in just over 8 minutes.” A report by Spaceweather.com said that the rise in sunspots began on November 18 when AR3490, the first sunspot group, emerged on the Sun’s northeastern side. Subsequently, another sunspot group, AR3491 emerged and is said to have formed a trail behind it. How will this affect the Earth? Particles of CME hitting Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere trigger a geomagnetic storm during which auroras – which are a result of disturbances in the Earth’s magnetosphere caused by the solar wind – could enhance and also be visible in lower altitudes. “A geomagnetic storm occurs when the Earth’s magnetic field is seriously disrupted by eruptions from the sun,” Huw Morgan, head of the Solar Physics group at Aberystwyth University in the UK told Newsweek. “When a large plasma storm erupts from the sun, and that storm carries a magnetic field which is oriented in an opposite direction to Earth's magnetic field, we have a ‘perfect storm,’ and a larger geomagnetic storm.” But other than painting the sky with pretty lights, geomagnetic storms can also impact infrastructure like fluctuations and outages in the power grid and radio blackouts. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA warns of solar storm hitting Earth amid increased activity, fiery eruptions on Sun

<p>Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC), a laser space communication system, of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has achieved "first light" as it successfully transmitted data through laser over a distance of 10 million miles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA said on Nov 16 that the experiment beamed data encoded within a near-infrared laser to the Hale Telescope at Caltech's Palomar Observatory in San Diego County, California.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The distance was about 40 times farther than the Moon is from Earth, as it became the farthest-ever demonstration of optical communications.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-scientists-say-this-lost-asteroid-could-strike-earth-in-2024-661079">Deep Impact? A 'lost asteroid' could strike Earth in 2024, NASA estimates show</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>DSOC is placed on the recently launched Psyche spacecraft. It is configured to send high-bandwidth data to Earth during its two-year technology demonstration.&nbsp;Psyche mission is&nbsp;travelling&nbsp;to the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter after being launched in October this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California manages, both DSOC and the Psyche mission.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The space agency said that the tech demo achieved "first light" in the early hours of Nov 14.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-decode-millennia-old-mystery-as-to-why-red-wine-causes-headaches-660928">Scientists decode millennia-old mystery as to why red wine causes headaches</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>'Achieving first light is one of many critical DSOC milestones'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>As quoted by NASA, Trudy Kortes, director of Technology Demonstrations at NASA Headquarters in Washington, said: "Achieving first light is one of many critical DSOC milestones in the coming months, paving the way toward higher-data-rate communications capable of sending scientific information, high-definition imagery, and streaming video in support of humanity's next giant leap: sending humans to Mars."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US-based space agency said that the test data also was sent simultaneously via the uplink and downlink lasers — a procedure known as "closing the link" that is a primary objective for the experiment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted, Meera Srinivasan, operations lead for DSOC at JPL, said: "Tuesday morning’s test was the first to fully incorporate the ground assets and flight transceiver, requiring the DSOC and Psyche operations teams to work in tandem. It was a formidable challenge, and we have a lot more work to do, but for a short time, we were able to transmit, receive, and decode some data."&nbsp;</p>


Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC), a laser space communication system, of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has achieved "first light" as it successfully transmitted data through laser over a distance of 10 million miles.

Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC), a laser space communication system, of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has achieved "first light" as it successfully transmitted data through laser over a distance of 10 million miles. NASA said on Nov 16 that the experiment beamed data encoded within a near-infrared laser to the Hale Telescope at Caltech's Palomar Observatory in San Diego County, California. The distance was about 40 times farther than the Moon is from Earth, as it became the farthest-ever demonstration of optical communications. Also read: Deep Impact? A 'lost asteroid' could strike Earth in 2024, NASA estimates show DSOC is placed on the recently launched Psyche spacecraft. It is configured to send high-bandwidth data to Earth during its two-year technology demonstration. Psyche mission is travelling to the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter after being launched in October this year. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California manages, both DSOC and the Psyche mission. The space agency said that the tech demo achieved "first light" in the early hours of Nov 14. Also read: Scientists decode millennia-old mystery as to why red wine causes headaches 'Achieving first light is one of many critical DSOC milestones' As quoted by NASA, Trudy Kortes, director of Technology Demonstrations at NASA Headquarters in Washington, said: "Achieving first light is one of many critical DSOC milestones in the coming months, paving the way toward higher-data-rate communications capable of sending scientific information, high-definition imagery, and streaming video in support of humanity's next giant leap: sending humans to Mars." The US-based space agency said that the test data also was sent simultaneously via the uplink and downlink lasers — a procedure known as "closing the link" that is a primary objective for the experiment. As quoted, Meera Srinivasan, operations lead for DSOC at JPL, said: "Tuesday morning’s test was the first to fully incorporate the ground assets and flight transceiver, requiring the DSOC and Psyche operations teams to work in tandem. It was a formidable challenge, and we have a lot more work to do, but for a short time, we were able to transmit, receive, and decode some data."

Laser message reaches Earth from nearly 10 million miles away in space

<p>In a major discovery, NASA has found methane on a distant exoplanet, which made it important to be closely observed.<br />
<br />
But why is methane such an important discovery? Methane has been able to capture scientific attention due to its short duration in a planetary atmosphere.<br />
<br />
This chemical cannot withstand starlight for a longer duration, especially in the terrestrial atmosphere. Methane succumbs to photodissociation and requires it to be continually replenished to maintain its presence in an atmosphere.<br />
<br />
If there is presence of huge amount of methane on a rocky planet, then the source is likely to be a massive and biotic one. Biological activity on Earth leads to the creation of an enormous amount of methane.<br />
<br />
Metabolically, it is not difficult to create methane. Methane is commonly found in our Solar System, although not in abundance. As per scientists, it is all abiotic. It has also been found on Mars, the Moon and on a few asteroids.<br />
<br />
Recently, methane was detected by the James Webb Space Telescope in the atmosphere of exoplanet WASP-80b, which is a gas giant half as big as Jupiter.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/alien-worlds-astronomers-discover-two-new-hot-jupiters-heres-all-about-these-exoplanets-662475">Alien worlds: Astronomers discover two new 'hot Jupiters'. Here's all about these exoplanets</a></p>

<p>WASP-80b has been orbiting around a K-type main sequence star, which is about 1.5 billion years old. WASP 80 is nearly 162 light-years away, and WASP-80b is the only exoplanet which has been found around the star till now.<br />
<br />
Since the exoplanet is a gas giant, there is no scope for life. However, the serpentinisation of olivine, which is methane's most well-known abiotic source, has also been ruled out since the exoplanet is not a rocky planet.<br />
<br />
Serpentinisation is an abiotic, natural process which involves water, carbon dioxide, and the mineral olivine. The detection has been presented in a new paper which has been published in the journal Nature.</p>

<h2><strong>Exoplanet like a warm Jupiter, says researchers</strong></h2>

<p>The paper has been titled "Methane throughout the atmosphere of the warm exoplanet WASP-80b" and its lead author is Taylor Bell, who is a post-doc researcher at the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute.<br />
<br />
WASP-80b is like a warm Jupiter, with a temperature of nearly 550 Celsius (1,025 F; 825 K). WASP-80b's temperature puts it in "an interesting transitional regime where equilibrium chemistry models predict that there should be detectable CH4 and CO/CO2 features in the planet's transmission and emission spectra,” explained the authors of the research.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;SpaceX launches 22 Starlink satellites into orbit, launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spacex-launches-22-starlink-satellites-into-orbit-launched-from-vandenberg-space-force-base-wion-661028/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"However, this definitive detection of methane throughout the atmosphere of WASP-80b with low-resolution, JWST spectroscopy raises the question of to what extent past non-detections were affected by the sparse wavelength coverage and precision achievable with HST and Spitzer," wrote the authors.<br />
<br />
"As we find methane and other gases in exoplanets, we will continue to expand our knowledge about how chemistry and physics work under conditions unlike what we have on Earth, and maybe sometime soon, in other planets that remind us of what we have here at home," the authors said in a NASA blog post.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a major discovery, NASA has found methane on a distant exoplanet, which made it important to be closely observed. But why is methane such an important discovery?

In a major discovery, NASA has found methane on a distant exoplanet, which made it important to be closely observed. But why is methane such an important discovery? Methane has been able to capture scientific attention due to its short duration in a planetary atmosphere. This chemical cannot withstand starlight for a longer duration, especially in the terrestrial atmosphere. Methane succumbs to photodissociation and requires it to be continually replenished to maintain its presence in an atmosphere. If there is presence of huge amount of methane on a rocky planet, then the source is likely to be a massive and biotic one. Biological activity on Earth leads to the creation of an enormous amount of methane. Metabolically, it is not difficult to create methane. Methane is commonly found in our Solar System, although not in abundance. As per scientists, it is all abiotic. It has also been found on Mars, the Moon and on a few asteroids. Recently, methane was detected by the James Webb Space Telescope in the atmosphere of exoplanet WASP-80b, which is a gas giant half as big as Jupiter. Also Read: Alien worlds: Astronomers discover two new 'hot Jupiters'. Here's all about these exoplanets WASP-80b has been orbiting around a K-type main sequence star, which is about 1.5 billion years old. WASP 80 is nearly 162 light-years away, and WASP-80b is the only exoplanet which has been found around the star till now. Since the exoplanet is a gas giant, there is no scope for life. However, the serpentinisation of olivine, which is methane's most well-known abiotic source, has also been ruled out since the exoplanet is not a rocky planet. Serpentinisation is an abiotic, natural process which involves water, carbon dioxide, and the mineral olivine. The detection has been presented in a new paper which has been published in the journal Nature. Exoplanet like a warm Jupiter, says researchers The paper has been titled "Methane throughout the atmosphere of the warm exoplanet WASP-80b" and its lead author is Taylor Bell, who is a post-doc researcher at the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute. WASP-80b is like a warm Jupiter, with a temperature of nearly 550 Celsius (1,025 F; 825 K). WASP-80b's temperature puts it in "an interesting transitional regime where equilibrium chemistry models predict that there should be detectable CH4 and CO/CO2 features in the planet's transmission and emission spectra,” explained the authors of the research. Watch: SpaceX launches 22 Starlink satellites into orbit, launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base "However, this definitive detection of methane throughout the atmosphere of WASP-80b with low-resolution, JWST spectroscopy raises the question of to what extent past non-detections were affected by the sparse wavelength coverage and precision achievable with HST and Spitzer," wrote the authors. "As we find methane and other gases in exoplanets, we will continue to expand our knowledge about how chemistry and physics work under conditions unlike what we have on Earth, and maybe sometime soon, in other planets that remind us of what we have here at home," the authors said in a NASA blog post. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA discovers methane on distant exoplanet. Here is what it means...

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